April 02, Colombo (LNW): Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has issued directives to transfer all officers of the Excise Department’s Narcotics Prevention Unit following the arrest of four excise officers in possession of a significant quantity of cannabis.
In a statement released by the State Minister’s media unit, it was confirmed that the four officers from the Excise Department, apprehended while transporting Kerala cannabis, have been suspended from duty pending further investigation.
Additionally, a thorough probe into the incident has been initiated.
Furthermore, Siyambalapitiya has ordered the immediate transfer of all officers associated with the Narcotics Prevention Unit within the Excise Department.
The State Minister emphasised a strict adherence to the law, asserting that all individuals implicated in illicit activities will face legal consequences regardless of their positions within the department.
Earlier reports indicated that the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) had detained eight individuals, including four Excise Department officers, in Negombo and Chilaw areas.
Alongside the arrests, authorities seized 45 kilograms of Kerala cannabis.
Additionally, a van belonging to the Excise Department, used by the apprehended officers, has been impounded by the police.
