• Note daily arrests, say intelligence, military, PNB on high alert
• No searches inside schools unless principals request such

In response to criticism that not enough is being done to control the inflow of drugs to the island although schoolchildren’s bags are being searched for such, the Police stated that such claims are baseless, as several arrests with regard to drug trafficking are being made on a daily basis.

Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police, and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa stated that the Police, intelligence officers, the tri-forces, and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) are on alert regarding drugs entering the country. 

“As we are on alert, we launch immediate investigations once we receive any information regarding drugs being brought into the island. Thereby, we make arrests at the airports, where we check bags, and determine if there are individuals who have swallowed drugs and then make arrests accordingly. We also monitor the seas and check the post for drugs. 

“We keep abreast of the various means through which drugs can be brought into the country and make arrests accordingly. We have seized thousands of kilos of drugs this way. Even today, we seized around 200 kg. I don’t understand the basis of such criticism, but these arrests are reported in the media, so nobody can deny that.” 

However, he also noted: “Having said that, it is also true that we cannot completely stop drugs from entering the country. There are many ways through which boats enter the island; so, it is impossible to cover every inch. But if we receive a tip, we will look into it.”

Speaking of the special operation against the drug menace in schools situated in the Western Province, Thalduwa stated that the 75 persons arrested over the same recently had already been produced before courts. 

“Intelligence officers are collecting information from shops in the vicinity of schools as well. Although we are checking bags, we will not conduct searches within school premises unless a special request is made by a school principal.” 

When The Morning queried if an operation similar to that which is being conducted in the Western Province will be conducted across other provinces as well, Thalduwa said: “The Western Province has been prioritised because of the large population and high levels of activity noted there. However, although not as a special operation, we do carry out such investigations via various means in other areas too on a daily basis. Intelligence officers have been informed to investigate shops in the vicinity of schools, especially schools conducting General Certificate of Education Advanced Level classes. They have also been informed to conduct investigations should they receive any tips or requests.”

Last week, a total of 75 persons were arrested following a special operation into the drug menace in schools within the Western Province. The operation was carried out near 122 schools, during which 2.148 kg of “Mawa” (smokeless, tobacco-based), 9.375 g of heroin, 1.522 g of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 10 ecstasy pills were seized. The operation was carried out under the instructions of the Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Western Province, the Police stated, adding that such raids will continue in schools belonging to the Western Province.

Meanwhile, a special operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with the State Intelligence Service and Police Narcotic Bureau had led to the interception of a local fishing trawler and apprehension of a large consignment of narcotic drugs with eight suspects on 14 December. 

The haul of illegal drugs included over 128 kg of crystal methamphetamine and over 106 kg of heroin. In the same vein, the SLNS Samudura also held another local fishing trawler with six suspects who had arrived to replenish fuel to the drug-carrying trawler. The consignment of drugs and the suspects were brought to the Colombo Harbour by the Navy last morning (18). Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also arrived at the Colombo Harbour to inspect the consignment.

In a separate incident, the Police said yesterday that around 30 persons had been taken into custody for using narcotics during a raid on a private party held in a holiday home at Bodhimaluwa area in Bentota. 

Nearly 100,000 persons have been arrested thus far this year over possession of illicit drugs, the Police said. Accordingly, 45,801 persons were taken into custody along with over 1,441 kg of heroin, while 34,062 others were arrested while in possession of over 11,881 kilograms of marijuana. Meanwhile, over 109 kg of crystal methamphetamine were recovered from a total of 10,532 suspects.