What is the purpose of massive drug hauls?

Despite headlines claiming that the “value” of drugs detected in Sri Lanka being huge,  prompting us to think  there is such a big demand, the reality is very different. These massive hauls do not reflect local consumption. Sri Lanka has become a transit hub on one of the world’s busiest narcotics routes linking South Asia, East Africa, Europe and Australia.  The high values quoted are based on international street prices, not Sri Lankan demand.If the drugs smuggled in are for local consumption,  Sri Lanka should drown in drugs considering the volumes. It’s high time we find out the number of drug addicts and users compared to the population,  relative to our neighbouring countries. Any eradication plan to succeed should be based on reliable numbers. 

In reality, the local drug market is only a fraction of the value of drugs detected. The real problem is Sri Lanka’s geographical position, which global cartels exploit for trans-shipment. Increased naval and police cooperation with foreign agencies result in more interceptions, creating the impression of an exploding domestic market. The demand, however, lies overseas—not in Sri Lanka.

Upali Weerasinghe.