Nearly 120,000 heroin users in Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st) - The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says nearly 120,000 people use heroin in Sri Lanka.

Chairman Shakya Nanayakkara revealed that nearly 400,000 people use marijuana.

He said in general the number of people using cigarettes and alcohol is decreasing while there is an increase in people using narcotics including 'ICE'.

He added that only 90-100 people who use the narcotic known as 'ICE' had sought treatment in 2022.

Nanayakkara said a majority of heroin and marijuana users stop using the narcotics without seeking treatment.

He added there are only facilities for around 3,000 at treatment centres.

He noted that nearly 40,000 new users of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are also reported every year.