Govt considers death penalty for drug offences

The Government is considering the death penalty for drug-related offences as part of a tougher response to the growing narcotics threat, the President’s Media Division said.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the “Ratama Ekata” National Operations Council chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (10).

The meeting focused on the impact of drug trafficking and related criminal activity on the economy, tourism industry and social environment, with participants stressing the need for stronger laws and measures to curb the spread of narcotics.

The Government is also in the process of amending laws relating to drug control and bail, with the proposed amendments now at the final stage. The amendments are expected to be gazetted before being presented to Parliament.

Meanwhile, steps have been taken to expedite the issuance of Government Analyst’s reports, which have contributed to delays in the disposal of drug-related cases. Officials said 6,414 analyst reports were issued in July alone.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to introduce a system to classify seized narcotics according to quantities, including categories below five grammes and below 10 grammes. He also called for closer coordination among the Government Analyst’s Department, police and prisons to ensure suspects are produced before courts without delay once analyst reports are received.

The meeting also reviewed measures to expand the capacity and facilities of the Government Analyst’s Department. The Navy is also assisting authorities in processing drug-related evidence, officials said.

The President instructed officials to allocate the necessary funds for the installation of a security camera system as part of measures to strengthen the handling and security of drug-related evidence.

President Dissanayake also called for greater involvement of religious leaders, parents and community organisations in tackling the narcotics problem and promoting a change in public attitudes towards drug use and related crime.