Sri Lanka, Jan. 14 -- Drug addiction in the Kandy district has increased fivefold in 2025 compared to the previous year, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Central Province, Lalith Pathinayake, said yesterday.

Addressing the "Ratama Ekata" National Operation aimed at eradicating the drug menace, held at the Kandy District Secretariat, Senior DIG Pathinayake said police raid reports indicate a sharp rise in the circulation and use of narcotics in the district.

"According to raid reports, heroin seizures in the Kandy division have increased by about 1 kg and 200 grams in 2025, while the use of ice has risen fivefold to 3 kg and 23 grams," he said.

He also revealed that during a recent random inspection of three pa...