Zero access to drugs claims another life of prisoner

Another inmate at the Kalutara Prison has committed suicide for not being able to consume drugs bringing the total number of suicides to six within the last weeks.

Prison sources said the prisoner who had been in remand custody over a heroin case, had committed suicide inside the toilet of the second ward last night.

The prisoner was admitted to the Nagoda Hospital after he was noticed by other inmates. However, he succumbed to his injuries on admission.

Earlier, six inmates had committed suicide as a result of the crackdown on narcotics by the authorities inside prisons. So far, at least 11 inmates have committed suicide for the last nine months due to various reasons.

Prisons Commissioner and Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said they had taken measures to curb all possible ways through which the inmates received drugs and other illegal substances from outside.

Meanwhile, Prisons sources said a key of a handcuff which was buried under the ground was unearthed yesterday at the premises Colombo Remand Prison.

The key, which was kept inside a bottle, had been found in front of the 'G' ward where high profile criminals were being detained.

The prisons officers believe that the key must have been kept hidden to escape while being transported to Court.  (Sheain Fernandopulle)