Asela Kuruluwansa –
Police say that the seizure of ICE drugs in the Kandy District increased fivefold in 2025 compared to 2024.
In 2024, police seized 648 grams of ICE drugs. This amount increased to 3 kilograms and 23 grams in 2025, according to police data.
These raids were carried out by 30 police stations established in the Kandy District, excluding the Sri Dalada Maligawa Police.
The amount of heroin seized in the Kandy, Gampola, and Teldeniya police divisions was 2 kilograms and 814 grams in 2024. This figure increased to 4 kilograms and 411 grams in 2025. The highest number of heroin seizures was reported from the Kandy Police Division.
In 2024, 2,678 raids in the Kandy Division resulted in the seizure of 2 kilograms and 34 grams of heroin. In 2025, the number of raids increased to 3,544, leading to the seizure of 3 kilograms and 253 grams of heroin.
Of the total heroin seized through raids conducted by police stations in the Kandy District in 2025, 3 kilograms and 253 grams were seized from the Kandy Police Division alone.
Police further stated that in 2025, 413 drug addicts were referred for rehabilitation, 397 for community correction, 335 for counseling, and 274 for medical treatment.
Central Province Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake said that during the year, authorities identified 74 children at risk of drug addiction, 14 children at high risk, and 17 children who were already addicted to drugs.
This information was revealed at a meeting held at the Kandy District Secretariat Auditorium under the Ratama Ekata National Operation Programme to eradicate toxic drugs. The meeting was held under the patronage of Central Province Governor Professor Sarath Abeykoon, to mark the establishment of the Kandy District Council.
