A recent survey by the Police Narcotics Bureau has highlighted worrying levels of drug use and corruption among police and security force personnel, raising concerns over the bureau’s integrity and operational effectiveness.
The study, led by Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Mass Communication Department at the University of Kelaniya, found that some officers became addicted to substances such as heroin, ice, crush, cocaine, hashish, and Kerala cannabis. The survey also revealed instances of drug use among family members of personnel, with links to trafficking networks in certain cases.
Dr. Jinadasa recommended immediate government-led rehabilitation for affected officers through the Ministry of Defense and announced that a second phase of the survey will begin in February.
In response, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent F.U. Wutler stated that officers are regularly transferred from the Narcotics Bureau to prevent prolonged exposure to drug-related work. He added that a police intelligence team is investigating allegations involving more than 100 officers in drug-related misconduct.
The revelations come amid ongoing probes into the assets of over 400 bureau officers, following claims that some corrupt personnel accumulated wealth through ties with large-scale traffickers. So far, investigators have examined 20 officers’ assets, with five Sub-Inspectors already transferred, while inquiries continue under the supervision of IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Further investigations uncovered breaches in the bureau’s VMS data system, which outsiders allegedly used to track multi-day fishing boats carrying drugs. A total of 57 external users were identified, and authorities believe recently removed corrupt officers deleted highly sensitive information from the system. The Criminal Investigation Department is conducting a separate inquiry into these deletions to restore transparency within the bureau.
Authorities say these measures aim to strengthen accountability, remove corrupt officers, and safeguard the integrity of the Police Narcotics Bureau.
