A series of drug raids conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) in various locations have led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the destruction of large quantities of ganja plants.
- STF Buttala Camp Operation
During an evening raid in Zone 04 of the Yala Reserve under the Gonagandara Police Division, officers from the STF Buttala Camp uncovered and destroyed four ganja plantations spanning approximately three acres. Four suspects, aged between 24 and 40, from Thanamalwila, Panamura, and Ridibendiella, were taken into custody and handed over to the Gonagandara Police Station.
Authorities reported that 203,500 ganja plants, ranging from two to four feet in height, were uprooted and destroyed. Additionally, two other plantations covering about two acres, with 153,850 plants reaching up to five feet, were also targeted for destruction. The Gonagandara Police are conducting further investigations to identify and apprehend additional suspects linked to these illegal cultivations.
- STF Lahugala Camp Operation
On the same night, a separate operation was conducted by the STF Lahugala Camp in Zone 04 of the Yala Reserve. Officers raided a one-acre ganja plantation, leading to the arrest of one suspect along with 85 kilograms of dried ganja. Four other suspects, aged between 22 and 42, from Balangoda, Middeniya, and Embilipitiya, were also taken into custody.
During this raid, 9,500 ganja plants, each approximately seven feet tall, were destroyed. Further investigations are being carried out by the Gonagandara Police.
- Mattala Police Raid
In a separate incident on the morning of February 13, officers from the Mattala Police Station conducted a raid in the Pahala Mattala area, acting on a received tip-off. The operation led to the discovery of 426 ganja plants cultivated on a quarter-acre of land. Additionally, a suspect in possession of a foreign-made 12-bore firearm was arrested.
The arrested individual is a 58-year-old resident of Uhuna. The Mattala Police are continuing their investigations into the matter. (Newswire)