Drug samples from 1981 ordered to be destroyed - JSC

Colombo, Oct . 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has instructed all magistrates to take immediate steps to remove drug samples weighing less than one kilogramme that have been stored at the Government Analyst’s Department since 1981.

The directive was issued by JSC Secretary Prasanna Alvis, after consideration of the Ministry’s request dated July 7, 2025.

In a letter addressed to the Judicial Service Commission, Ministry of Justice and National Integration Secretary President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena stated that all laboratory tests for the retained samples — covering the period from 1981 to 2023 — have been completed

The Ministry highlighted the severe lack of storage space at the Department due to the accumulation of tested drug samples over the past four decades.

The secretary said that the Government Analyst’s Department has submitted a CD containing the full set of analytical results and related data and the CD has been submitted to the Commission.

Responding to the request, the JSC directed all magistrates to take appropriate measures for the removal of the accumulated drug samples, in accordance with legal procedures.