Feb 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka Police have arrested 1,165 persons for drug and alcohol offenses during special police raids conducted in the Western Province in the past 24 hours.

Among them are 771 suspects arrested over various offenses and another 317 individuals absconding with pending warrants.

The raids were carried out from 6 am yesterday to 5 am today (22), according to the Western Province Senior DIG's Office..

Among the suspects arrested were 261 suspects in possession of heroin, 147 suspects in possession of cannabis, 208 suspects in possession of illicit liquor and 65 suspects in possession of crystal methamphetamine (ice) drugs, the Western Province Senior DIG's Office said.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man was arrested with 200 grams of heroin in a raid carried out in the Wadduwa area yesterday (21). The suspect, a resident of Pinwatta, was arrested while distributing drugs on a motorcycle.

In a special operation conducted in Minuwangoda yesterday, 15 persons were arrested for various offenses including illegal possession of liquor, one person in possession of drugs, 7 persons on warrants and one person with a firearm, police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.