Eppawala Police arrested six individuals in possession of 15.74 grams of heroin and one driver operating a vehicle under the influence of narcotics during operations conducted yesterday (06).

The arrest of a woman narcotics dealer known as 'Doni,' who has been allegedly distributed heroin and illicit alcohol in Eppawala and surrounding villages for a long time, preceded these operations.

Following her arrest and subsequent remand until July 15, residents urged the Eppawala Police Officer-in-Charge to eradicate the drug trade in the area.

Acting on these requests, the Police arrested a cousin of the suspect, identified as a direct associate in her drug operation, in the Madiyawa area with 10.3 grams of heroin.

Additional arrests included a resident of Thambuththegama Road with 2.32 grams, a resident of Weerasinghe Mawatha with 2.85 grams, two individuals from Akkara 20 with 100 and 80 milligrams respectively, and a resident of Wadiyagama with 90 milligrams of heroin.

Police also apprehended a driver from Akkara 20 for operating a Bolero-type cab under the influence of narcotics.

The total amount of heroin seized during the operation reached 15.74 grams.

The seven suspects await presentation before the Thambuththegama Magistrate's Court.