An investigation by police headquarters has found that the recently implemented Operation Justice has failed to meet its intended objectives.
Senior officers have reported to the Acting Inspector General of Police that the operation has been primarily a media spectacle, lacking substantial drug raids compared to previous years. Rather than apprehending major drug traffickers, the operation has resulted in the arrest of individuals with minimal involvement in drug trafficking, many of whom have not engaged in such activities for years, according to a report from high-ranking police officials.
Further investigation by police headquarters has revealed that numerous arrests have targeted drug users rather than dealers. While the number of individuals apprehended has increased, the actual arrests of drug traffickers have not been adequately carried out.
A senior police officer noted that recent media reports have highlighted the Navy’s significant drug seizures during high-seas raids, which were portrayed as part of Operation Justice. This officer also suggested that the operation may have been motivated by political interests, resulting in a substantial disruption of the police’s routine responsibilities.
Officers have reportedly been neglecting their duty to take complaints from the public, as the focus of the justice operation appears to prioritize individual arrests over addressing the broader issues of drug trafficking.
Although the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya, has reassigned officers back to their regular duties, police headquarters maintains that organized operations against drugs and organized crime will continue. Officials state that the Acting Inspector General is committed to prioritizing the apprehension of actual drug dealers rather than targeting those who may consume drugs or have distanced themselves from trafficking. They anticipate launching a new initiative aimed at making a tangible impact on the community, without relying on media-driven displays.
Despite the Acting Inspector General’s directives to return officers from Operation Justice to their respective positions, it is emphasized that drug raids and crime-fighting activities must occur daily. Responsibility for these operations has been delegated to the police chiefs overseeing each division.
In the pursuit of justice, both the National Police Commission and the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission have received numerous complaints concerning individuals arrested, drugged, and imprisoned by the police under the guise of this operation.
