Nearly 600 arrested for drug alcohol abuse during Sri Pada season

Drug/alcohol abuse -related arrests during the Sri Pada pilgrimage season has already surpassed the 500 mark, with a total of Rs. 6,029,324 in fines collected from those convicted of such offences, according to Hatton Police.

Up to Tuesday (25), a total of 592 persons were arrested for carrying illegal substances, including hashish, ganja, cannabis mixed with herbal pills, and marijuana-laced cigarettes, while traveling to the sacred Sri Pada site since the start of this year’s pilgrimage season three months ago.

They were apprehended during operations carried out by officers from various police stations within the Hatton Division, including Hatton, Bagawanthalawa, Norwood, Maskeliya, Norton Bridge, Nallathanniya, Polpitiya, Watawala, and Ginigathena, in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Hatton Police Division.

Hatton Division SP Pradeep Weerasekara said that the arrested individuals, ranging from 20 to 45, pleaded guilty to the charges in court. He explained that the suspects, who are from different regions of the country, including Colombo, were apprehended while journeying with other pilgrims to the Sri Pada Mountain.

“We have been conducting extensive operations to monitor and control the transportation of drugs and alcohol during the pilgrimage season,” said SP Weerasekara. “In addition to random bag checks along the routes leading to the mountain peak, we will continue special operations to prevent the entry of illegal substances or alcohol into the area.”

All police stations in the Hatton Division have been placed on high alert, with officers specifically tasked with identifying individuals or groups attempting to carry alcohol or drugs into the pilgrimage site. Emergency roadblocks will also be established to check vehicles transporting pilgrims. Those caught in possession of illegal substances will not be allowed to continue their pilgrimage and will be detained at police stations before being presented in court.

SP Weerasekara said that the police are committed to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of pilgrims by cracking down on any illegal activity during the sacred season.

By Nalaka Ratnayake