Over 9,000 children and youth arrested in drug-related raids in one year: Sri Lanka Police

Sri Lanka Police reported that law enforcement authorities have taken more than 9,000 minors and young individuals into custody in connection with drug offenses between October 30, 2025, and early October 2026. The findings were disclosed during a press briefing assessing the country's ongoing island-wide anti-drug campaigns.

Police spokespersons noted that criminal narcotics syndicates have increasingly targeted school students and young adults as both consumers and low-level distributors for synthetic substances like crystal methamphetamine ('Ice') and heroin.

Authorities emphasized that while law enforcement raids will continue aggressively, legal, rehabilitative, and social welfare agencies must collaborate closely to offer counseling, medical rehabilitation, and educational reintegration programs to prevent youth recidivism.