Drug dealers attempt to enter political mechanism by becoming MPs, Chairpersons: President

By Ajith Siriwardana

The drug menace has developed into a situation where some drug dealers attempt to enter the political mechanism by becoming Members of Parliament and Chairpersons of local bodies, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

The President said it was identified that some are attempting to contest election in separate lists and thereby enter political mechanism and maintain their dominance.   

He said drug dealers received political blessing in the past and seeds have been sown now for them to become MPs and Chairpersons of local bodies and enter political authority.   

The President expressed these views while speaking at the launch of the ‘A Nation United’ National Mission held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium to eradicate the drug menace.   
He stressed that a strong people’s movement will be formed to eradicate the drug menace while calling drug addicts and drug dealers to stop their illegal practices.   

President Dissanayake said everyone must unite in eradicating the destructive menace claiming that the government and the police cannot face it alone.   

He said a National Operation Centre will be established to tackle drug trafficking incorporating the police, military, Customs, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Department of Motor Traffic and the intelligence services.