- Inquiry to examine alleged shortcomings in handling the case
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has directed the Police Special Investigation Unit to conduct an internal inquiry into shortcomings and omissions identified in the handling of an ongoing investigation into a major consignment of illegal drugs allegedly smuggled into Sri Lanka from Pakistan.
The consignment was concealed in two containers transported from Pakistan and stored at the Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) at the Colombo Port before the drugs were seized by authorities.
According to the Police Media Division, the internal investigation has been ordered to examine the shortcomings identified in connection with the handling of the case. However, the inquiry will not impede or interfere with the ongoing investigation into the two containers and the seized drug consignment.
The Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently conducting the main investigation into the seized containeRs Police said the investigation was being conducted transparently, in accordance with established procedures and due process.
The drug detection was made on 31 August after the CCIB received information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding a container at the Colombo Port suspected to contain a consignment of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice. The CCIB subsequently obtained a search order from the Aluthgama Magistrate’s Court and inspected the container with the assistance of the Police Narcotics Bureau and Sri Lanka Customs.
Police initially reported the seizure of 463 kg of Ice concealed inside a consignment of body wipes or towels. The drugs were subsequently reported to weigh 471.2 kg, with authorities estimating their street value at more than Rs 8 billion.
Five suspects, including three Pakistani nationals and two Sri Lankan nationals, were subsequently arrested and detained for questioning in connection with the consignment, according to police. Investigations are continuing into the suspected international drug trafficking operation and the individuals allegedly connected to it.
The latest internal inquiry is separate from those proceedings and is focused specifically on identifying any shortcomings or omissions in the handling of the investigation.