Tough actions needed against officials linked to narcotics trafficking: SLPP

• Rohitha says Govt. formed by SLPP has best chance of eradicating drug trafficking and organised crime
• Believes only President Rajapaksa is capable of delivering his promise to create lawful society

By Nuwan Senarathna 

Renewing pledges to eradicate drug trafficking in the country, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said the Government will investigate corrupt officials and take tough legal action against anyone involved in the illegal narcotics trade. 

A group of 12 Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) officers were arrested for allegedly drug trafficking and Court on Thursday ordered the CID to detain them till 8 July, for questioning. Speaking to reporters in Colombo, SLPP senior member and former parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena said the Government will work around the clock to eradicate drug trafficking in the country. 

“I think those officers brought shame to the Sri Lanka Police. It is a bit sad to see those who are supposed to arrest drug smugglers become drug traffickers themselves. I believe tough action is need to be taken against them to prevent repeating such incidents in the future,” he said.  

Abeygunawardena noted the President had taken measures to eradicate the drug menace and underworld gang activities to assure the public of their safety and protect the younger generation and prevent them from becoming drug addicts. 

“We are doing our best to eradicate the drug menace in Sri Lanka and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had already pledged to take necessary measures to crack down on the narcotics trade and organised crime activities,” he said.

According to the former parliamentarian, the President has the vision to eradicate the drug menace from Sri Lanka and the Government, and security agencies will take the lead on these efforts. He noted the President has shown in the past that he is capable of delivering his promises and assured this would be the case again. 

“When President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the Defence Secretary, he led armed forces to defeat the LTTE, therefore I believe a leader like him is well capable of eradicating the drug menace and underworld crimes in the country.”

Abeygunawardena pointed out that the police was able to seize weapons and arrest a number of underworld gang members during operations conducted over the last few weeks and said the Government will continue to eradicate all underworld activities.