Air hostess caught with heroin re-remanded

Jayantha DE SILVA

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Pieris yesterday re - remanded the female airline employee who was taken into custody by Wellawatte Police with heroin. The second female suspect was discharged.

The discovery was made when the police stopped and searched their vehicle on suspicion. Attornies at Law Anton Senanayake, appearing with Attorney at Law Sri Lal and S. Wijeratne for the two suspects submitted that the suspect is not a heroin pusher ( dealer) but possessed heroin for her own personal use.

“Police claim that 54 grams of heroin was found in her possession, which was incorrect,” he submitted.

He claimed that the suspect who is reported to be suffering from bouts of depression possessed less than 100 milligrams of heroin. At this point a medical certificate was tendered on her behalf.

In respect of the second suspect, she had unknowingly accompanied the first suspect. The court was moved to grant bail under any condition to the first suspect and to discharge the second suspect.

Apart from that, an application was filed for the release the two vehicles taken into custody. IP Nalini Disanayake did not object for the discharge of the second suspect.

The magistrate told court under the Dangerous Drugs Act, he was not empowered to grant bail to the first suspect and referred to the Excise Ordinance.

On the advice of the Attorney General, the High Court had to consider the matter. He ordered Police to submit photographs taken by them along with the further report.