Cannabis war goes hi-tech
Sandasen MARASINGHE
The Police Special Task Force (STF) using modern technology raided
several cannabis plantations covering 250 acres of chena land during the
last six months.
Police STF uprooted and destroyed more than 5,000 kgs of fully grown
cannabis plants from these chenas. The market value of one kg of
cannabis ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000.
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Police Special Task Force personnel raid a ganja cultivation |
Instructor of GPS and Mapping of the STF IP Nishantha de Silva told
the Daily News that raids were conducted in thick jungles in the forest
reserves in Hambegamuwa, Udawalawa, Lunugamvehera and Sevenagala areas
since last June.
He said that the STF initiated the operation against cannabis
cultivators on the instruction of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
However when the operation was begun it was a difficult task to
identify the areas where the chenas were cultivated with cannabis as
they were located in thick jungles. He added that it was difficult to
identify informants as well.
The STF then used the satellite maps to identify the cannabis
cultivation in the jungle and the Global Positioning System (GPS) to
conduct raids.
IP de Silva said that so far nearly 100 chenas were raided without
any injuries to STF personnel.
He added that the STF itself has developed certain software systems
for these raids.
IP Silva said that the STF has identified other areas in these forest
reserves where cannabis have been cultivated. He added that the STF
would continue with the raids. He added that almost all suspects were
arrested and handed over to the Police Stations for legal action.
He added that the STF is determined to eliminate this cannabis menace
from the country by destroying the cultivations continuously.
IP Silva also stated that although the errant cultivators used to
attack the Police and other groups participating in raids, the STF did
not leave any room for such reactions. He said the modern technology was
of much use to minimize damage and waste of time.
The STF personnel conducted the raids led by IP Nishantha de Silva
under the guidance of SP Warna Jayasundara, DIG (OPP) RWMP Ranawana
under the supervision of STF Commandant KLN Sarathchandra. |
