News
New laws to deal with organised crimes and drug-related offences
View(s):By Damith Wickremasekera
New legislation to deal with organised crimes and drug related offences will be presented to Cabinet this month as the Government moves to toughen laws relating to such crimes.
The Organised Crimes Bill is in the last stages of being finalised, a senior government official said.
“At present those engaged in organised crimes/drug related offences are held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). With plans to repeal the PTA, we need new legislation to charge those accused of such crimes,” the official said.
“The new law will allow the Police to hold suspects for a reasonably long period so as to give them time to question the suspects while cases against such criminals will also be fast tracked through a special court system,” he said.
The official said that investigations against criminals with overseas links take additional time and the law therefore will provide provision to ease the problems faced by investigators so that court hearings can be expedited.
The official said that the law will also enhance jail terms and fines for those aiding and abetting those involved in drug related offences and organised crimes. He said there are many boat owners who work with criminals allowing the boats to be used to transport drugs. Such property will be confiscated and those assisting in such illegal activity too will be charged under the new law, the official said.
Meanwhile the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Act No. 11 of 1984 too will be amended in a bid to expedite cases involving users of illicit drugs. The draft amendment has been finalised and will be presented to Cabinet along with the Organised Crimes Bill.
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