Drug-related issues are the common link in the majority of shootings that have taken place in Sri Lanka, says Sri Lanka Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.

Speaking to The Morning today (21), Thalduwa said that the Police had identified the drug circles involved in these shootings.

"The Police has done its part in locating and arresting the shooters. The common link is that majority of them come from drug dealers and drug circles that take revenge on persons who they think are a threat to their illegal dealings. Unfortunately, some of them are those who have been previously arrested and produced before court, but end up being released on bail," said Thalduwa.

He further stated that the dealers who were released on bail were those who return to the streets to complete the "mission" in eliminating their threats.

"We need to tighten the law in allowing such dealers and shooters to be released on bail. They need to be rehabilitated and then released. When this is done, the chances of them returning to the streets drops and this, in turn, keeps them from going back to organised crimes," he noted.

Thalduwa further stated that there had been a significant increase in drug related crimes in the recent past and noted that it was vital that young adults be educated and taught about the cons of drug usage and the repercussions of drug related crimes.