CID probes leak of VMS data used to track drug-running vessels

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a comprehensive investigation on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following information that the Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) used to track multi-day fishing vessels and boats transporting drug consignments in the open seas, along with sensitive computer data of the Police Narcotics Bureau, has reportedly fallen into the hands of drug traffickers. 

Police sources said that the leak has enabled traffickers to alter routes and remove vessels from areas under naval surveillance, hampering drug raids in the past. 

The VMS, a high-tech monitoring system operated by the intelligence units of the Police Narcotics Bureau, provides real-time data on vessel movements and ownership details and is not accessible to other police units. 

Investigations have revealed that certain corrupt officers had allegedly shared system passwords with outsiders, allowing traffickers to access confidential information. 

In response, the Narcotics Bureau has introduced a modernised data system and begun removing corrupt officers under an ongoing reform programme. Five sub-inspectors have already been removed, while investigations are underway against several others. 

Meanwhile, interviews to recruit new officers with technical and computer expertise to the Narcotics Bureau are scheduled to begin on the 25th of this month.