Sri Lanka, Nov. 21 -- Out of more than 5,000 suspects arrested for drug trafficking, only around 250 have been remanded in custody by the courts, while the remainder have been released on bail, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijeyapala said.

The 250 suspects arrested for drug distribution and trafficking remain in detention under court and detention orders, the Minister added.

Authorities are taking steps to address drug use, with the police referring suspects arrested for drug consumption to rehabilitation centers, and some volunteers to drug prevention programmes.

Minister Wijeyapala further noted that the Ministry of Justice is currently discussing measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

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