The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has reported a significant increase in the number of people using methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” in Sri Lanka.
Assistant Director of the NDDCB’s Research Division, Mr. Tamara Darshana, revealed that in the first ten months of this year alone, over 60,000 individuals addicted to ice have been arrested.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department, Mr. Darshana highlighted that drug use is particularly prevalent in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Kandy.
“A gradual rise in methamphetamine use is evident from arrest statistics over the past few years. Similar trends can also be observed in cannabis use. However, compared to heroin and cannabis, ice is showing a more pronounced increase. Methamphetamine use is especially concentrated in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Kandy districts. It is also important to note that 99% of drug users are polydrug users, often using one or more drugs occasionally,” he stated.
Joining the briefing, Mr. Shantha Gamage, Director of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Division of the NDDCB, added that young people between the ages of 20 and 30 are the most inclined to use drugs.
