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GPS system success in ganja raids

16 February 2011 04:45 pm - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Supun Dias

The Special Task Force (STF) has been able to raid more than 200 acres and destroy 566,000 ganja plants using satellite maps and the Global Positioning System (GPS) since March last year.

STF Instructor of GPS and Mapping IP Nishantha de Silva that raids were conducted in thick jungles at the forest reserves in Hambegamuwa, Sevenagala, Udawalawa, Lunugamwehera, Suwandanaru, Hawengala and Thanamalwila.

However, when the operation  begun it was a difficult task to identify the areas where the large ganja plantations were as they were in thick jungles. “With the technology we only had to send a team consisting around 50 STF men instead of sending 500. The planters have been engaged in the business for a long time and some chena are around 40 years old,” he said.

“Some were located at places where no one would think to cultivate any crop. The STF was able to raid a place in Unakanda, Hambegamuwa which is situated 600m above sea level”, IP Silva added.

IP Silva also stated that although the errant cultivators used to attack the Police and other groups participating in raids, the STF did not leave any room for such reactions.

“The modern technology was beneficial as it enabled the personnel of the elite STF to approach the target at a minimum time and also by using the shortest route,” he said.

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  Comments - 11

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  • funky monkey Wednesday, 16 February 2011 05:01 PM

    in vain.....

    Ranil Wednesday, 16 February 2011 04:57 PM

    Good use of technology. Glad we're wising up to these tools and making our work more efficient. Need more technocrats in higher places.

    balangodaman Wednesday, 16 February 2011 05:05 PM

    also they can use ggl earth as well to study terrain.

    Tharaka Chanaka Wednesday, 16 February 2011 05:06 PM

    Very good news, they should position the signals towards Keleniya now.

    NIlamethuma Thursday, 17 February 2011 01:16 AM

    How about the heroin distribution network. I bet nothing will be done

    amilacooray Thursday, 17 February 2011 01:44 AM

    Way to go STP.

    Fair N Square Thursday, 17 February 2011 02:32 AM

    Good use of technology, be careful of it being abused..... Other crimes also could be solved IF we as a nation start using the technology in the right areas on the right issues.....

    Cobra Thursday, 17 February 2011 02:56 AM

    If they could only use this same technology for raids on heroin users,smugglers and mudalalis?

    Sherwin Thursday, 17 February 2011 03:12 AM

    Bravo Guys !!

    dilwari Thursday, 17 February 2011 03:14 AM

    Hooray! well done

    aka Thursday, 17 February 2011 03:22 AM

    GPS and satellite maps can be used to identify something which can be seen by a satellite and reach that area.

    for example Ganja hena is a cleared area in middle of a forest. in a satellite map all this will have the general color of green. but if you zoom in and looked at it carefully, you can see a difference. this is a time consuming process.

    this is a innovative thing to do. if politicoz dont get in their way, Sri lankan police is a able force.


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