February 15, Colombo (LNW): A new directive has been circulated requiring courts to submit detailed yearly reports on the destruction of narcotics and other hazardous substances carried out under judicial orders.
The circular, issued under the authority of Prasanna Alwis, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, instructs relevant judicial officers to forward comprehensive accounts of all such disposals to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board no later than December 31 each year.
According to the new guidelines, courts must compile and formally transmit annual summaries covering the destruction of poisons, opium and all other categories classified as dangerous drugs. The reports are expected to include quantities destroyed, dates of disposal and confirmation that procedures were conducted in accordance with legal and safety standards.
Officials say the measure is intended to enhance transparency, strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure accurate national record-keeping relating to controlled substances seized through criminal proceedings. It is also seen as a move to reinforce public confidence in the judicial handling of narcotics-related cases.
Legal observers note that systematic documentation of court-ordered destruction will enable the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board to maintain an updated central database, support policy planning and assist in monitoring trends in drug-related offences.
Court registrars and administrative staff have reportedly been advised to ensure meticulous record maintenance throughout the year in order to comply fully with the new reporting requirement.
