Sri Lanka working with regional countries to fight drugs smuggling

APD NEWS

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By APD Writer Easwaran

COLOMBO, Aug. 29 (APD) - Sri Lanka is working with regional countries to fight drugs smuggling, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake said on Tuesday.

He said that Sri Lanka is a transit point for drugs smuggling as it is strategically located.

He said that while drugs are on transit via Sri Lanka some part of it remains in the country.

Ratnayake said the Tami Tiger rebels used to smuggle drugs to fund their cause during the 30 year war with the military.

However even with the war over Sri Lanka is still a transit point for international drugs dealers.

"Sri Lanka is located strategically and that is the only reason we are vulnerable," he said.

The Minister said that the government has a responsibility to prevent drugs smuggling in the region and in the country.

He said a special Police unit has been established to fight the spread of drugs in the country.

Sri Lanka has in the recent past busted large amounts of drugs being smuggled into the country, mostly from Pakistan and India.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)