News
The crusade against narcotics gathers full force across the land
View(s):By Sajeniya Sathanandan
The fight against narcotics has shifted to a national emergency, integrating the armed forces and civilian efforts through different mechanisms to eliminate the threats of drug trafficking and addiction under a unified national mission.
The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) under Director Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) H.M.C.P. Herath has drawn plans to support the programme with elaborate plans.
Among its plans to support this project, will be the newly established hotline that collects complaints containing information that necessitates action. “It will be forwarded to the relevant police officer or subdivision in that jurisdiction who/which will report and maintain an online record to monitor the progress”, a senior official of the PNB said.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has introduced the ‘1818 hotline’ to allow the public to report drug-related activities, including drug trafficking, distribution, and any suspicious activities associated with narcotics across the island.
The Bureau has also implemented a system for home-based rehabilitation for those who prefer not to go to a centre.
A Bureau official will assist them in obtaining their medications. This will allow the individual to continue their normal life while rehabilitating at home with constant supervision to ensure they do not relapse or associate with former contacts.
Under the plan individuals are permitted to remain in their homes. The local Community Police officers and relevant committee members are assigned to supervise their rehabilitation. The individual can collect their necessary medication or treatment daily or monthly from the appropriate office or nearby hospital.
Also, every Divisional Secretariat office has a Consultative Council with 10 to 12 counsellors who provide necessary advice.
An ‘arrest kit’ has been found to detect eight different substances which is expected to aid the judicial medical officer system from being overburdened. The Government has allocated 100 million for this project which is handled by the Department of Motor and Traffic.
The Bureau official said that the Ministry of Public Security is currently planning to introduce a new roadside “saliva test kit” for the Motor Traffic Department, though it has not been launched yet and it is still “in the process”. This kit will screen drivers for involvement with eight different illegal substances and is funded with 100 million.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre – East Kandakadu is a government rehabilitation centre which accommodates addicts and there are 12 other rehabilitation facilities, including government, non-government (NGO), and private institutions. A major challenge is successfully reintegrating the individuals back into society as they can get into their old habits. To avoid such circumstances, job opportunities will be assigned to keep them safe.
He said the individuals are referred for rehabilitation based on the 2007 Act No. 54, specifically utilising provisions outlined in Section 10 of that Act. Medical professionals determine the rehabilitation period based on the severity of the individual’s addiction. Individuals are put under the supervision of community police networks and people’s committees to prevent relapse. Also, private and government institutions have come forward to offer employment to rehabilitated individuals.
The focus is to increase institutional capacity which involves renting buildings and establishing new centres and to plan community-based treatment.
The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board spokesperson said the project is based on ‘supply reduction’ and ‘demand reduction’. It is decided to start 10 new centres at Kandakadu and set up facilities in Kurunegala, Matara, Batticaloa, and Jaffna, aiming to establish treatment centres eventually at the Divisional Level. These additions will increase the four existing centres located in Kandy, Galle, Nittambuwa, and Battaramulla. Also, a substantial budget for treatment centres has been passed this year.
In parallel with institutional capacity expansion, a project focusing on community-based treatment is being initiated which utilises a globally implemented method for treatment and rehabilitation at the community level to reduce the reliance on buildings.
A major operational challenge is seen as the requirement for voluntary participation as current drug addicts cannot be forced into treatment and many are unwilling to come forward. But the government has already implemented a prior project that progressed well which led to starting this island-wide project.
Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala said that since coming into power, the government has already completed a considerable portion of work for the ‘A Nation United: Eradicating the Menace of Narcotic Drugs’ project and decided to initiate this public movement based on the progress achieved through that initial work.
The Ministry of Public Security leads this national operation with the support of the Civil Security Force and the Rehabilitation Bureau which has been gazetted under it.
The operation’s goals are expected to be achieved within two or three years with the help of yet-to-be-established organisations, such as Divisional and District organisations.
Furthermore, the Armed Forces have taken the initiative to support this project with unique strategies and their strong team.
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) provides the critical air intelligence which is needed by the police and military to dismantle drug gangs under the national ‘Ratama Ekata’ mission.
The Air Force Commander told The Sunday Times that the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) provides support through the No. 3 Maritime Squadron which is equipped with advanced air surveillance capabilities and operates with the Air Intelligence Division.
The Sunday Times was told that the operation is maintained by the specialised narcotic team of internationally recognised Special Forces with Visit Board Search and Seize (VBSS) techniques. Personnel are equipped with devices, including enzyme methods to aid in drug identification.
The Sri Lanka Navy spokesperson said that the strength of their anti-narcotics efforts is rooted in cooperation and collaboration with international and local entities. They have been supported by international information-sharing organisations, as well as regional and extra-regional navies.
The military is also prepared to undertake any tasks received which may involve supporting the Police, making people aware, or assisting with the general process. This intelligence leads to collaborative enforcement, as the Army makes arrests together with the Police before subsequently handing over the captured individuals to the Police authority.
The Army spokesperson said that the Army Commander is a member of this National Committee from which the Commander receives recommendations and directions. The Army maintains its own intelligence network and provides necessary information regarding drugs, particularly details about dealers, to the Police.
The police spokesperson said that the island’s anti-drug operation is designed as a collective effort involving the Sri Lankan police, tri-forces, state, and civil society, which is meticulously planned from root to root to conduct raids against both small offenders and serious businessmen.
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