Largest drug haul recorded in 2025: Police

Colombo, Jan. 22 (Daily Mirror) - The largest stockpile of narcotics seized during security forces’ operations was recorded in 2025, marking a threefold increase compared to 2024, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said.

Addressing a media briefing today (22) on the progress of the National Operation for 'Ratama Ekata', ASP Wootler said that islandwide operations have yielded significant success in controlling the spread of dangerous drugs.

He said that in 2024, police seized a total of 10,871 kgs of heroin, cannabis, ice, hashish and cocaine, while in 2025 the figure rose sharply to 23,692 kgs and 307 gms.

“This represents a threefold increase compared to 2024. The year 2025 recorded the highest seizure of narcotics and the largest number of drug traffickers arrested in recent history,” he added.

According to ASP Wootler, 832 kgs of heroin was seized in 2024, while the amount increased to 1,821 kgs in 2025. 

Meanwhile, cannabis seizures rose from 8,359 kgs in 2024 to 17,189 kgs in 2025.

He further said that under the Extradition Law, 10 drug traffickers who had fled overseas were arrested in 2024, while 11 such suspects were apprehended in 2025.

ASP Wootler emphasised that Red Notices have been issued on 95 criminals currently hiding abroad to evade court proceedings in Sri Lanka, and steps are being taken to arrest them in the near future.