40k Drug Arrests In 1 Month!? Sri Lanka Is Taking Prohibition To New Levels

In a staggering display of war on drugs fervor, Sri Lanka has detained over 40,000 people in a nationwide crackdown on illegal substances trade and use, code-named “Operation Yukthiya.” The operation, facing criticism from international human rights organizations, marks a significant escalation in the country’s drug enforcement approach.

Nationwide Crackdown On Users And Alleged Dealers: Operation Yukthiya

The Sri Lankan government launched “Operation Yukthiya” in December 2023. The Associated Press reported that acting police chief Deshabandu Tennakoon said the operation, which involves nighttime raids and drug-sniffing dogs, has dismantled 65% of the nation’s narcotics distribution network. The authorities aim to completely eradicate the network by the end of January, targeting traffickers, users and those with previous drug-related arrests.

UN And Human Rights Concerns Vs. Government Stance

The United Nations Human Rights Council has raised concerns about potential human rights violations during these operations. Allegations, as described by Amnesty International’s Sri Lankan researcher Thiyagi Ruwanpathirana to Reuters, include unauthorized searches and public strip searches, with concerns about the impact on marginalized economic groups. 

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, as stated in Reuters, remains steadfast in the operation’s necessity for the nation, urging the UN to specify instances of abuse and assuring that the police have been ordered to follow legal protocols. The government says these actions are vital to address the growing drug use among youth and maintain public safety.

Historical Context And Geopolitical Significance

Sri Lanka’s strategic location has long made it a hub for international drug trafficking. According to High Times, strict drug laws, including the death penalty for certain offenses, have been in place since 1984.

Nevertheless, the current scale of the crackdown is unprecedented. Reuters notes that in 2020, Sri Lanka recorded over 97,000 drug-related arrests, predominantly for heroin and cannabis.

Harsh Measures Including Forced Rehabilitation

BBC provided additional context, noting that in the first week of the operation, almost 15,000 arrests were made, and 440kg of different drugs were seized. Notably, over 1,000 individuals alleged to have a drug addiction were sent to military-run rehabilitation centers, a striking aspect of the campaign that further fuels the debate on the government’s methods and drug policy stance.

The operation, briefly paused during the Christmas holiday then resumed with full force, reflecting the government’s resolute commitment to its hardline stance on drug prohibition.

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