Former President Maithripala Sirisena has revealed that a group of Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers, once honoured with Presidential Awards for major drug seizures, were later found to be connected to drug lords and underworld figures.
Speaking at an event, Sirisena recalled that during his presidency, he ordered the destruction of narcotics worth millions, seized by the PNB.
Based on the bureau’s recommendations, he presented Presidential Awards to the officers involved.
“Within a week or two of the awards, it came to light that they were the main persons associated with drug lords and underworld figures, and were involved in the drug business,” Sirisena said.
The former president further highlighted concerns over corruption and infiltration within law enforcement, and the need to safeguard accountability in Sri Lanka’s fight against narcotics. (Newswire)
