Over 56,000 individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activities have been arrested in 50 days during a national anti-crime operation, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Public Security announced on Tuesday.

Out of the number, 49,558 suspects were arrested for drug offenses, and the others were arrested for other criminal activities, the ministry said.

The total value of confiscated properties of the suspects stands at approximately 725 million rupees (about 2.3 million U.S. dollars), the ministry said.

The seized drugs have an estimated market value close to 7.73 billion rupees (about 25 million dollars), the ministry added.

Sri Lanka's police has launched an operation since Dec 17 to curb drug trafficking and organized criminal activities in the country.

(With UNI inputs)