An unidentified narcotic substance was found along with a stash of heroin and ganja by officials from the Excise Department following a raid conducting on a warehouse in Madampe.
18 suspects were taken into custody following an operation spread across Madampe, Marawila and Halawatha yesterday (31), for the possession of illicit substances.
The operation was conducted under the instructions of Excise Commissioner General Helen Meegasmulla following intelligence received from residents and religious leaders of the area.
Investigations reveal that several school children and youths aged 15-25 are already addicted to the unidentified drug.
Reports reveal that several past politicians and relatives of the arrested persons arrived at the Excise department holding centre in an attempt to release the detained persons last night.
The suspects will be produced before the Halawatha courts today (1).
- Photographed by Nishal Sumudu
