World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Over 9,000 youth arrested in Sri Lanka drug enforcement operations
Sri Lankan police have arrested more than 9,000 children and young people aged between 8 and 21 in drug-related raids conducted nationwide over the past year. The arrests represent a significant enforcement push by authorities tackling drug offences among the island's younger population.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler confirmed that 9,105 children and youth had been taken into custody between October 30, 2025, in connection with drug-related offences. The figure encompasses arrests made during coordinated countrywide operations targeting narcotics activities.
The broad age range of those arrested—from children as young as 8 years old to youth aged 21—underscores concerns about drug involvement among Sri Lanka's younger demographics. Police have intensified efforts to combat drug-related crimes, particularly those involving minors, in recent months.
The operations represent part of a wider national strategy to address substance abuse and trafficking issues affecting communities across the country. Authorities have indicated that the enforcement drive will continue as part of ongoing efforts to protect young people from the dangers of drug involvement and to dismantle supply networks targeting vulnerable populations.