Sri Lankan navy arrests man in Mannar over alleged drug charges

by Thusiyan
Jan 14, 2019

The Sri Lankan navy announced that it had arrested a man in Mannar, after it apprehended a haul of over 180 kilograms of Kerala cannabis.

The man, who was not identified by the navy, was reportedly arrested for being in possession of the haul of cannabis in Vankalai on the 10th of January.

Mannar police have reportedly taken over the case.

The latest arrest comes after Tamil UNP MP Vijayakala Maheswaran said last year politicians from the South of the island are responsible for supplying the drugs in the North. On previous occasions, Sri Lankan soldiers have been caught smuggling drugs in the North-East.

Other Tamil politicians, including TNA MPs and the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, have also previously spoken out on drug smuggling in the North, and how rising drug use in the region is linked to militarisation and aimed at eradicating Tamil society.

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