Army to take action against officers involved Heroin ring

COLOMBO (News 1st): Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of Sri Lanka Army General Shavendra Silva has instructed the respective authorities to impose maximum punishment in accordance with the existing rules and regulations against the two Army personnel arrested in Horana this morning for the possession of Heroin, Sri Lanka Army said on Thursday (Feb. 25). Two Army personnel were arrested in Horana with 45 kilograms of Heroin in their possession, by the Panadura Anti-Vice Narcotic Striking Unit based on a tip-off received, Brigadier Nilantha Premaratne, the Director of Media at Sri Lanka Army told News 1st. According to Brigadier Nilantha Premaratne, one suspect is an army deserter who abandoned service around two-months back; the other suspect is a military person who is currently serving. The van used for the drug racket is a vehicle obtained on rent for Army Administration work, Brigadier Premaratne further added. Army Commander General Shavendra Silva has condemned the crime committed by the two officers tarnishing the name of Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Army Media Division further noted. Thereby, General Shavendra Silva has instructed the respective authorities to take disciplinary action and impose maximum punishment. Earlier on Thursday (Feb. 25), Panadura Anti-Vice Narcotic Striking Unit arrested two suspects along with 45 kilograms and 376 grams of Heroin after inspecting a van in Horana, Sri Lanka Police said. The driver of the vehicle who was in uniform was identified as a Sri Lanka Army officer, while the second suspect was identified as an ex-military officer, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st on Thursday morning (Feb. 25). "Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of Sri Lanka Army - General Shavendra Silva informed that Sri Lanka Army will take stern action against the soldier who was involved in the drug racket under the military law," the Deputy Police Chief noted. Furthermore, the Police Narcotics Bureau will take legal action against the suspects under the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.