News
Land, sea and air war against narcotics and organised crime: Armed forces join police ops
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
Sri Lanka’s armed forces have been drawn into the fight against narcotics and organised crime in support of ongoing countrywide police operations.
Naval patrols have been placed on heightened alert along the coast, Air Force drones and aircraft are tracking movements from the skies, and Army detachments are providing ground security during raids. Intelligence units from all three services have also been integrated into the operation.
Describing the initiative as a “collective effort”, police media spokesman and Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said, “The aim is to bring before the law the big traffickers, the godfathers of the narcotics trade, who for years have been amassing wealth through illegal means.”
He described the narcotics crisis as one of the most crucial challenges facing Sri Lanka and the people. “We want to cut down the supply while also managing demand.”
Commander Buddhika Sampath, the Navy’s media spokesman, said the Navy had “activated its full range of operational capabilities” to intercept smuggling routes, particularly by sea. “Every day, we work with the police to arrest those engaged in illegal activities,” he said. Noting that the Navy had busted several attempts to smuggle in Kerala cannabis and Kendu leaves, he said Navy personnel were also deployed on land to assist police operations.
Pointing out that smuggling routes stretch across maritime borders, syndicates operate even from within prisons, and their networks are highly adaptable, Commander Sampath said, “Our task is to support law enforcement and ensure these operations succeed.” Legal proceedings, however, remain the responsibility of the police, he added.
The Air Force’s role is primarily surveillance. Its media spokesman, Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, said the Air Force deploys drones and Beechcraft to detect narcotics-related movements.
“We also provide intelligence, deploy dogs trained in narcotics detection, and offer troop support if requested,” he said, adding that even airlift capacity can be offered for joint operations if the Ministry of Defence orders it.
The Army is less directly involved in raids but secures perimeters and provides manpower when needed. “We are there to support the police,” its media spokesman, Brigadier Waruna Gamage, explained.
“Most of the time, we provide security around an operation. The Police handle arrests and investigations.”
He said the Army also contributes intelligence to narcotics investigations, though it does not have specialised counter-drug units.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!