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PNB celebrates 30 years

by Sarath Malalasekera

The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at the Central Bank Auditorium, Rajagiriya on Tuesday. Interior and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunge was the chief guest and former PNB Senior DIG S. Sundaralingam was guest of honour.

Minister Amaratunge addressing the gathering said that unlike 30 years ago, today the drug trade is big business, only second to world trade in oil. The drug trade is monopolised by criminal cartels. These criminal cartels are associated with gun running, human smuggling, trafficking in women, children and money laundering. This is why the character of the problem faced by the Bureau is radically different to that of the founders of the Bureau thirty years ago.

The criminal gangs now involved in drugs are professional, sophisticated and extremely well funded, They have evolved innovative ways of smuggling drugs. One recent discovery was the use of condoms to stuff drugs, of all things, the Minister added. If Sri Lanka is a transit point, the question may be asked, why is she bothered? Sri Lanka is deeply concerned, not so much because drugs will spread. She is concerned because of the side-effects of criminal activity.

Arms smuggling leads to increasing the significant use of violence now prevalent in society. Undesirable new cultures and unacceptable new values are being introduced. Destabilising of society and its institutions will take place. Significant parts of the drug producing countries of Latin America are now ruled by drug Lords. These are no-go areas where the government writ does not run.

Prof. Ravindra Fernando, Inspector General of Police T.E. Anandarajah, Senior DIGs, DIGs and several senior police officers also participated.

The Cultural Troupe of the Sri Lanka Police Reserve performed during the intervals. A souvenir was presented to Minister Amaratunge by the PNB DIG Gerard Ignatius.

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