No ban on releasing drug raid information to media: Minister

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Colombo, Nov. 14 (Daily Mirror) - Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala today refuted the allegations that a circular has been issued prohibiting the release of information on drug raids to the media after the arrest of National People's Power (NPP) Urban Councillor's husband for drug smuggling.

The Minister told parliament that police have issued the circular after the incident where a video clip went viral on social media regarding the arrest of the suspect in connection with the Weligama Pradeishiya Sabha Chairman’s murder.

He said that according to the circular, information which could hinder the investigations will not be released and that there is no total ban on releasing information on drug related raids as claimed by some parties.

Various people, including legal experts raised serious concerns over the conduct of the police in sharing videos of suspects on mainstream and social media following their arrests, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing investigations and future prosecutions.