Three inmates commit suicide over zero access to drugs

26 August 2020 11:05 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Three inmates who were addicted to drugs have committed suicide within the last week as a result of the crackdown on narcotics by authorities, and therefore being unable to consume drugs, Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya said.

According to Prison sources, two have committed suicide in the Colombo Remand Prison. One of the inmates was reportedly addicted to illicit liquor while the other was a drug addict. Another prisoner who was suffering from liver disease meanwhile has committed suicide in the Negombo Prison. He too was addicted to illicit liquor and heroin.
The prison authorities have been able to seize individuals and groups who transport drugs into prisons in the recent past, and search operations have also been strengthened.

Prisons Commissioner and spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said the inmates, who were severely addicted to drugs and liquor are currently in a terrible condition as they were not receiving any kind of narcotics from outside the prisons.

When asked as to what measures will be taken to prevent suicide he said what could be done was to let those badly in need of drugs and liquor absorb the feeling that they could survive sans drugs and liquor.

“We can't subject them to the rehabilitation process as they are not convicted inmates but remandees, Ekanayake said.

“It is only the convicted inmates who undergo the rehabilitation process, Ekanayake added.

Moreover, he said they had taken measures to curb all possible ways from which the inmates received drugs and other illegal substances from outside.

Meanwhile, the Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have also been deployed at the entrance of prisons in the Colombo city to ensure the external security at prisons in and around Colombo and also to obtain their support when search operations are carried out in prisons. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 8

Praja Pathirana Wednesday, 26 August 2020 11:25 AM

Not rehabilitation but give them medical support. Ask a doctor. They can be cured of the addiction

Mubarack M Haniffa Wednesday, 26 August 2020 02:18 PM

Give them Methadon for drug addiction like in western countries.

Lal Wednesday, 26 August 2020 11:55 AM

EASY WAY. NO JUDGMENT REQUIRED AND ALSO JUDGES WILL DRAG THE CASE 15YEARS. UNTIL 15 YEARS GOVERNMENT SHOULD FEED THEM PROTECT THEM UNNECESSARY EXPENSES. FOR THIS SIMPLE SOLUTION. GOOD IDEA

Bernhard Eichmann(Germany) Wednesday, 26 August 2020 12:41 PM

They also had the opportunity to go to a doctor to get therapy.

Roshan Withanage Wednesday, 26 August 2020 04:35 PM

what a primitive statement by the Prison authorities.... typical 3rd world mentality. as they are not convicted they cannot be taken cared of ! some sort of counselling and medical assistance should be given to them... otherwise the suicides will only continue.

Solver Wednesday, 26 August 2020 05:22 PM

Good solution?

Ruban Wednesday, 26 August 2020 05:39 PM

While stopping the drugs getting into Prison is great, it is an absolute tragedy to not try and rehabilitate these addicts. Treating them like criminals is the wrong way to manage this.

Aa Thursday, 27 August 2020 07:36 AM

The hospital at prison is there 24/7 to take care of them if the need arose. Most suicides take place outside prison?

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Three inmates commit suicide over zero access to drugs

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