Campaign against dangerous drugs, a success

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

The campaign launched against dangerous drugs last October has been successful with the detection of over eight kilograms of heroin and 60,000 kilograms of ganja (Cannabis Sativa) and Babul in different parts of the country, IGP Mahinda Balasuriya told a function held in Colombo yesterday to distribute rewards among police officers.

He said more than 16,000 suspects linked to drug related offences have been arrested. Police detected around 70 kilograms of heroin from early this year in Kalpitiya and Chilaw.

The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) headed by DIG Sisira Mendis was instrumental in a number of detections. Over 630 cases have been filed against persons linked to drug offences, he said.

The IGP commended the Special Task Force (STF) for combatting underworld criminals. He said rewards for police officers have been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 after he took office.

Five civilians and several police informants will be paid from the rewards fund. "We want to pay all rewards by next month," he said.

Meanwhile, 737 police officers from different parts of the country were commended and given rewards for their outstanding contribution in detecting drugs and solving grave crime. Rs 12.7 million has been paid as rewards to police officers.

Senior DIG S. Shanker and Jayantha Gamage presented the rewards.