The Inspector General of Police has launched a special intelligence operation to identify and monitor parties organized through Facebook, as well as the locations where such gatherings are held.Police Spokesman F. U. Wootler said the initiative is aimed at preventing young people from being exposed to drug-related activities at such events.

As part of the operation, police recently raided a Facebook-organized party within the Teldeniya Police Division, where 41 young men and women were arrested.ASP Wootler said police will continue gathering intelligence to identify similar gatherings and take necessary action against those involved.He urged the public, particularly parents, to remain vigilant, warning that young people could be targeted by drug traffickers under the guise of attending Facebook parties.According to the police spokesperson, a number of these events are allegedly organized by individuals connected to illicit drug networks. He said some gatherings operate as commercial ventures linked to organized crime and profit-making activities.ASP Wootler also urged parents to pay close attention to changes in their children’s conversations, behavior and daily movements, particularly when such changes appear suddenly.

Highlighting the seriousness of the country’s drug-related crisis, he said 175 people died by suicide as a result of drug-related crises in 2025, including 172 men and three women.He further revealed that 11 deaths linked to drug abuse have already been recorded in 2026.