The Ministry of Public Security has taken steps to strengthen the laws and regulations in combating crystal methamphetamine or ICE.
Ministry Secretary S. Hettiarachchi says necessary amendments in this regard will be made to the ‘Poisons, Opium, and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance’, as soon as possible.
Non bailable
At present, those who possess or smuggle the narcotic substance ICE are released on bail after being produced in court. However, according to the new amendments, those who possess or smuggle 05 grams or more of ICE will not be eligible for bail, and if they are proven guilty, they will likely receive either the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Hettiarachchi says that crystal methamphetamine is found in abundance among smugglers in the country.
Rise of ICE smuggling up by 225 fold
Chairperson of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) Dr. Priyangi Amarabandu says the rate of arrests made over the possession and smuggling of ICE, has risen by 225 fold since 2017.
Circular to search schoolbags
Meanwhile, speaking in Parliament today (07), Minister of Education – Susil Premajayantha has said that as a measure to safeguard the children from drugs, a circular will be introduced with regard to checking schoolbags of children.
Noting that there are ways where drugs are reaching schoolchildren, the minister pointed out that teachers and parents should remain vigilant.
