Organised criminals and drug traffickers were used in the past by certain factions to consolidate political power, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala said.

The Minister made the remarks yesterday (25) while attending the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Mirigama Police Station.

Responding to a query, Wijepala assured that no group would be allowed to intimidate or threaten individuals who provide information on organised crime.

“There was a direction in which this developed. Organised crime and drug trafficking flourished with political patronage. Examples are not required — it was politicians who nurtured this. The organised crime network was utilised to maintain governing power. Organised criminals were used. Drug money was used,” he said.

Wijepala further claimed that it has now been revealed that certain political parties were used to organise meetings linked to drug and organised crime-related activities. He added that political connections to such networks have gradually been dismantled.

He stated that the Police are working to bring the situation under control, noting that drug traffickers and organised criminals often operate within the same networks. Many killings, he said, occur as a result of disputes within the drug trade.

“The Government does not condone such violence and is taking measures to prevent it. Incidents do occur. A large number of organised crime groups are overseas. These incidents are taking place while work is underway to bring them back to the country based on Red Notices. Looking at the statistics, such incidents have occurred every year. We are working to control this together with society,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Wijepala announced that a new Bill aimed at controlling organised crime has been drafted and will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers next week.

He said the drafting process has been completed and that the Bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament and passed at the earliest opportunity.