Nearly 8,000 drug addicted children and youths under 21 arrested in 2024

In 2024, Sri Lanka Police reported that 7,950 school-aged children and young people under 21 were arrested for drug addiction, particularly to heroin and 'Ice' (crystal methamphetamine). During a press conference on the 28th of the month, DIG Ashoka Dharmasena from the Police Narcotics Bureau noted that the police and security forces conducted a significantly higher number of drug raids and arrests in 2025 compared to the previous year. He mentioned that 832 kg of heroin was seized in 2024, while this amount rose to 1,831 kg in 2025. Similarly, the quantity of 'Ice' confiscated increased from 1,364 kg in 2024 to 3,865 kg in the following year. Additionally, the police took 8,359 kg of cannabis in 2024, compared to a much larger 17,189 kg in 2025. A major concern is the number of arrests of those under 21, with 7,950 young individuals facing charges related to drug addiction and possession, mainly involving heroin and 'Ice.' DIG Dharmasena revealed that 2,257 individuals under 21, including school children, were arrested on charges related to 'Ice,' which also included nearly 200 young girls.