News
Organised crime: New bill allows longer detention, property seizure
A bill to detain and charge organised crime suspects now held under the PTA will be introduced next month.
According to a senior official, the bill will not replace the PTA, but it specifically targets organised crime and gives authorities greater powers against big-time criminals.
He said that hardcore criminals involved in drug-related offences and other organised activities are currently held under the PTA, which allows authorities to detain them longer for questioning.
The new bill permits extended detention of hardcore suspects.
While spelling out tougher penalties and longer jail terms for organised crimes such as extortion and human smuggling, the proposed law will also allow the seizure of properties and bank accounts of those found guilty, the official said.
He said the draft bill is ready and will be presented to parliament next month after Cabinet approval is obtained.
Meanwhile, the government has gazetted amendments to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Judicature Act to prohibit the manufacture, possession or trafficking of dangerous drugs on the high seas by Sri Lankan citizens as well as non-citizens.
The amendment to the Judicature Act provides for all prosecutions and indictments in respect of an offence committed by any person on the high seas under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Chapter 218), the Conventions Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, No. 1 of 2008, and anti-piracy laws.
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!