Police underworld links trigger a major probe into nearly 200 officers accused of receiving salaries from gangs and drug traffickers.
Police underworld links have triggered a major intelligence probe into nearly 200 officers accused of receiving monthly salaries from underworld gangs and drug traffickers.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Sunday Lankadeepa newspaper that authorities have already removed about ten officers from service after identifying their alleged ties with traffickers.
He said special investigations are also underway into another six officers accused of maintaining close links with traffickers. Officials forwarded information on them to intelligence agencies last week. The Minister stressed that such corrupt officers create a serious barrier to suppressing the underworld and drug trade.
Police Underworld Links Under Investigation
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department recently questioned former STF Commandant and former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Eastern Province, Waruna Jayasundara, over allegations of maintaining links with an underworld member.
Reports said investigators recorded his statement for nearly four hours during the session. The government took the step after he requested a formal investigation into the matter.
Authorities have also moved to transfer all officers from certain police stations, including Kalpitiya, to break alleged networks between corrupt officers and traffickers operating through local stations.
The government says it will identify the “black sheep” within the police department and take strict legal action against them. It says the action aims to fully suppress underworld and drug networks across the country.
