BY Ruwani Fonseka Several officers from the Special Task Forces (STF) have allegedly attempted to smuggle bottles of arrack into the Boossa Prison recently, The Morning learns. Chairman of the Committee to Protect the Rights of Prisoners, Attorney at Law Senaka Perera confirmed that an altercation had taken place within the prison complex between the prison police guards and the STF officers. "A couple of STF officers had arrived at the prison complex with several bottles of arrack. The purpose as to why they brought it into the prison is still unknown. We are still not sure if it was to sell to prisoners or for anyone else, but alcohol is prohibited within the complex. When the prison police had tried to stop them, an altercation had taken place," said Perera. He further added that an investigation is currently being carried out by the Boossa police. He also expressed doubts that a fair investigation would take place and alleged that the authorities are trying to dismiss the matter. "I have a feeling that the matter will not be justly investigated, we can see the officials using influence to dismiss the matter and sweep it under the rug. In the video footage, one STF personnel says that the STF has the authority from the Defense Secretary to do as they please. This is a huge threat to prisoners and affects their safety," he claimed. Perera also explained why the STF should not be placed within a prison complex. "The STF were trained to face the war, they are part of the army. Their mentality is different and harsh. When they are placed with prisoners, this affects the mental wellbeing of the prisoners. This is when prisoners are at risk of abuse," he concluded.