29 top drug suppliers arrested in major CID crackdown, says Dy Minister

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 29 key drug suppliers involved in smuggling narcotics into Sri Lanka. Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, shared this information during the “Ratama Ekata – National Operation” event in Trincomalee. He pointed out that the illegal drug trade has two main parts: the supply chain and the demand from consumers. Watagala mentioned that drugs are often brought into the country by boat, especially through Trincomalee Port, mainly aimed at young people in Sri Lanka. In response to this issue, the government is working to reduce demand while also attacking the supply chain, which he believes past governments did not adequately address. He emphasized that the current administration has decided to target the top levels of this drug network, which previously faced little opposition at the country's coastal borders and airports. Additionally, the Deputy Minister disclosed that CID officers have carried out operations in countries like Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan to make these arrests. “Right now, we have 29 prominent suppliers in custody, and those extradited from Indonesia are already confessing. This has raised alarm among those participating in the drug trade,” he stated. Deputy Minister Watagala highlighted that this “black market” thrives on the lure of “easy money” and is closely related to three main elements: drug trafficking, organized crime, and the illegal arms trade. He also alleged that this network grew in the past due to support from some political figures, claiming that certain elements within politics had fostered these illegal activities and used the proceeds to fund election campaigns.