Operation ‘Yukthiya’ to continue despite challenges, focused on securing fear-free future for generations – Minister of Public Security

Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles that the special operation to suppress drug trafficking and underworld activities in the country known as “Yukthiya” (Justice), will continue regardless of whatever external pressure brought upon him and added that he would resign from his portfolio if he is forced to call it off before his vision of creating an environment where future generations can live free from fear or doubt is achieved.

The Minister made this disclosure at a media briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre today (21),

Minister Alles said that,

“The special operation known as “Yukthiya” (Justice), was implemented throughout the island and has become the subject of widespread discussion within the country. The operation was initiated with the primary objective of putting an end to drug trafficking and underworld activities in the country. Special responsibilities have been assigned to community police committees in this regard.

The success of this operation hinges on the support of the people, particularly the media. Just as there was collective support for the security forces during the war, a similar unity is crucial now. While the Three Decades’ War was confined to the North and East, the current situation has spread throughout the entire country. Public support serves as a formidable strength for the police and therefore, it is imperative that the public provides necessary support and accurate information for the success of this operation. With such support, it is believed that drug trafficking and underworld activities can be eradicated from the country by June of next year.

The Navy has initiated a special operation to prevent the smuggling of drugs into the country through the sea routes and the ‘Yukthiya’ operation focuses on disrupting the distribution network, stopping underworld activities associated with drug trafficking and paying special attention to drug users. Instructions have been given to the Inspector General of Police to concentrate on apprehending drug dealers rather than drug addicts.

Intelligence reports indicate the involvement of 4,665 individuals in drug trafficking. Orders have been given to arrest all these individuals, resulting in the arrest of 731 people including some not initially mentioned in intelligence reports within the last four days alone, .

During these operations, the police have successfully seized a substantial quantity of drugs, including marijuana, hashish, heroin and ice valued at Rs. 431 million and assets such as vehicles, houses and properties belonging to the suspects valued at around Rs. 162 million.

Prior to commencing this operation, discussions were held with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who shares the stance that drug trafficking and underworld activities must be eradicated from the country. With the President’s blessings, this operation will persist despite any external influence. The commitment is to create an environment where drugs and underworld activities can be eliminated, ensuring that future generations can live without fear or doubt.

Moreover, concerns have been raised about the abuse of children and women. To address these issues, instructions have been given to introduce a special hotline, similar to the police emergency number, from the first week of January. Women police officers will be assigned to answer calls received on this dedicated phone number  because women may be hesitatant to share their problems with male police officers. A new hotline will be introduced for submitting complaints in Tamil.”