Sri Lanka Police Seize Massive Drug Haul in Latest ‘RATA EKATA’ Crackdown; 925 Suspects Arrested
COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Police have reported significant progress in the ongoing nationwide anti-drug operation, “RATA EKATA,” with the arrest of nearly a thousand suspects and the seizure of various narcotics over a 24-hour window ending March 9, 2026.
According to a formal statement released by the Police Media Division, the operation—which launched in late 2025—continues to target drug supply chains, demand reduction, and the rehabilitation of addicts across the island.
Key Seizures and Statistics
The latest report highlights a diverse range of narcotics confiscated during the raids. Notably, over 1 kg of Heroin and nearly 2 kg of “Ice” (Crystal Meth) were seized.
| Drug Type | Quantity Confiscated |
|---|---|
| Heroin | 1 kg 107 g |
| Ice (Crystal Meth) | 1 kg 994 g |
| Cannabis (Ganja) | 2 kg 163 g |
| Cannabis Plants | 55,229 plants |
| Other Substances | Hashish, Mawa, Madana Modaka, and Narcotic Pills |
Arrests and Legal Action
The Police Media Division confirmed that a total of 925 suspects were taken into custody during this specific 24-hour period.
Total Raids: 927 operations conducted island-wide.
Detention Orders: 11 suspects are being held under detention orders for further interrogation.
Rehabilitation: 10 individuals have been directed to rehabilitation centers.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
The “RATA EKATA” operation is not limited to arrests; the Police Media Division emphasized that the strategy involves a “multi-dimensional approach.” This includes preventing drug abuse through community awareness, empowering the public against traffickers, and initiating financial investigations into illegally acquired assets (though no new asset investigations were opened in this specific 24-hour window).
The statement, issued by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Frederick Butler, Director of the Police Media Division, reiterates the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace that has been prevalent in the country.
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