Lanka used as drug trafficking hub

11 November 2011 09:41 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Amidst speculation over the alleged involvement of certain politicians in drug trafficking, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board revealed yesterday that Sri Lanka is being used as a hub by drug traffickers to smuggle drugs to Europe from India and Pakistan.

The Board, in its annual report, said drug traffickers used Colombo and Male as transit points in this case. According to them, heroin seized during the past five years, a heroin variety called brown sugar or south west Asian heroin is mainly smuggled from India and Pakistan. During this period, 58 foreigners have been arrested in Sri Lanka for drug-related offences.

Of them 25 were Pakistanis, four Indians, six Maldivians and five Iranians.

The others were from various other countries. In 2010 alone, 25 foreigners were arrested for the trafficking of 55 kilos of heroin and 3.978 kilos of cocaine. Besides, two Sri Lankans were arrested in India for drug related offences.

The report revealed that traffickers had used a certain chemical called precursor in the manufacture of illicit drugs. Precursor is a chemical normally used in the pharmaceutical industry. However, it is also used to manufacture synthetic narcotics drug. There are different varieties of this chemical called Methaquolone, LSD, MDA/MDMA, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine and Phencyclidine tablets.

A clandestine laboratory that manufactured precursor had been seized in Avissawella in 2008. Last year, 25 kilos of Methamphetamine had been seized. Also, four people had been arrested.

The report said the average street value of heroin was Rs.4.3 million a kilo last year, a 43 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The average price of cannabis had been Rs.12,000 a kilo during the year, and the average price of opium Rs.1.3 million a kilo. The total number of convicted prisoners in 2010 was 31,096. (By Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 10

Dorothy Saturday, 12 November 2011 12:51 AM

What is next on this path to economic developent and globalization?

Black Mamba Saturday, 12 November 2011 12:54 AM

And why not, aren't we trying to be the hub of everything in creation?

Kurulla Saturday, 12 November 2011 12:56 AM

This is a huge problem, has the potential to escalate beyond control. Therefore need to address urgently and throw the law book hard against the culprits irrespective of political colours.

indimurray Saturday, 12 November 2011 01:04 AM

Why not indroduce death penalty

Sudu Putha Saturday, 12 November 2011 01:04 AM

I thought the whole world knew a long time ago that SriLanka was the transit point for these nefarious activities

Imaad Majeed Saturday, 12 November 2011 02:58 AM

fascinating, who would have ever guessed?

One in thousands Saturday, 12 November 2011 03:02 AM

No more Srilanka,Now singapore become No 1.Main leader is there now!!

Asoka Jayawardane Saturday, 12 November 2011 05:24 AM

All these Drugs coming from Afghanistan, Pakistan and India goes through Sri Lanka to European countries visa Middle East Countries specially from Dubai. Most of the EX-LTTE used this route very long time.

YURI Saturday, 12 November 2011 06:06 AM

Now we are talking, International police must be used here. because here all involved

Drug Baron Saturday, 12 November 2011 06:11 AM

There has been a marked increase in the number of vehicle parts stolen/robed recently. The reasons given by the police are (a) they are untraceable; (b) the thieves operate in gangs; (c) vehicle parts expensive and hence an instant means to earn a fast buck to sustain drug habits; (d) the criminals will never get caught; and the best So watch out for your vehicles ppl!

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Lanka used as drug trafficking hub

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