The launch of the ‘Yukthiya’ special operation by the Sri Lanka Police to combat drug and crime-related activities has resulted in a 23% reduction in crime, according to Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon announced the success of the operation during an event held in Battaramulla to reunite rehabilitated drug users with their families.

“The Yukthiya operation has led to a 23% reduction in crime since its launch,” Tennakoon said.

Noting that the Western Province has the highest rate of drug distribution, with Nugegoda and Mount Lavinia being the most affected areas, Tennakoon said that he hopes to reduce the crime rate in Sri Lanka by 50% by the end of the year.

“Over 5,000 drug peddlers have been arrested through this operation within six months. We have managed to dismantle over 90% of the drug network,” he added.

The ‘Yukthiya’ islandwide special operation was launched in December 2023 to curb drug-related activities across Sri Lanka.

At the event in Battaramulla on Saturday, 590 drug users who were rehabilitated under the Police’s new “Suvasara Kadella” programme were reunited with their families.

Additionally, private institutions and the business community in the Mount Lavinia and Nugegoda areas selected 120 rehabilitation beneficiaries for job opportunities and provided them with appointment letters at this event.