Minister warns asset recovery from drug traffickers will be slow process

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala says that the process of confiscating illegally acquired assets belonging to drug traffickers will be expedited. However, since asset confiscation requires court orders, it takes time, and therefore, a special interim mechanism will be used to immediately freeze such assets.

Accordingly, around Rs. 1.5 billion worth of assets are expected to be frozen in the near future, and the necessary legal steps have already been taken, the minister said.

He made these remarks while participating in the district operations and progress review meeting of the national anti-drug campaign 'Rata Ekaṭa' held at the Kandy District Secretariat.

The minister noted that the current government has taken several strict measures to combat drug trafficking, revealing that 967 drug traffickers have been arrested since January 13.

He also said that 2,146 drug addicts have been referred for rehabilitation, and in addition to court-ordered admissions, parents are also being given the option to voluntarily send their children for rehabilitation.

He further stated that, due to limited rehabilitation facilities, they will be expanded at district level in the future. In addition to the existing National Dangerous Drugs Control Board centre in Handessa, Kandy, another rehabilitation centre will also be established there.

The minister said that around 10,000 officers will be recruited to fill vacancies across 608 police stations islandwide, and promotions for officers will also be carried out alongside this process.

He also said that special confidential cash rewards will be given to officers involved in drug raids and to informants, while ensuring maximum protection of the identity of those who provide information on drug-related activities.

He further emphasised that wanted underworld criminals abroad and individuals subject to arrest warrants, including former ministers involved in various crimes, will be brought back to the country through international Red or Blue Notices or other legal mechanisms, without any political interference and strictly in accordance with legal procedures.

The minister stressed that the current government acts strictly within the law and that the law is applied equally to everyone.

He also stated that there is no political interference or pressure on investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and that matters related to Suresh Sale are being handled with full independence.

He said Suresh Sallay has not been subjected to any ill-treatment and that his lawyers and relatives have been allowed to meet him. The minister added that he does not intend to respond to politically motivated statements made by certain parties, and that any claims made by Sallay’s wife should be directed to the CID.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasooriya, Central Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Lalith Pathinayake, Central Province Governor Professor S. B. S. Abayakoon, Minister of Agriculture K. D. Lalkantha, Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Kandy District MP Thanura Dissanayake, along with public representatives, the Kandy District Secretary Indika Uduwatta, and other state officials and security chiefs.