An internal investigation by the Police Special Investigation Unit has found that Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ranmal Kodithuwakku and several other officers allegedly failed to take appropriate action after receiving information about a consignment of narcotics inside containers at the Colombo Port.
The findings were revealed following an internal inquiry conducted on the orders of the Inspector General of Police into the seizure of a large consignment of crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice), from containers at the Colombo Port on August 31. Police records confirm that approximately 463 kilograms of Ice were initially seized during the operation.
According to the Special Investigation Unit inquiry, SDIG Kodithuwakku received information on August 14 that two containers containing an illicit consignment of narcotics had been imported into Sri Lanka and were at the Colombo Port.
The information was reportedly communicated by SDIG Kodithuwakku to the Police Narcotics Bureau on the same day.
However, on August 22, Sub-Inspector Ekanayake of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau also received the information. Police said he subsequently took the necessary steps and, on August 31, went to the Colombo Port, where the container was opened in the presence of Customs officers and the drugs were discovered.
The investigation has found that officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau were also present at the scene, but the initial discovery of the drug consignment was carried out primarily by officers of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau.
Based on the findings, the Special Investigation Unit has reported that SDIG Kodithuwakku and other relevant officers had allegedly neglected their duties and acted negligently in responding to the information.
The unit has recommended that, in addition to the internal inquiry, a criminal investigation should be conducted.
The Police Media Division said the Inspector General of Police has consequently instructed the Criminal Investigation Department to determine whether the alleged negligence and failure to act on the information were intended to create a situation favourable to any particular party.
The CID is expected to determine whether the circumstances warrant the establishment of criminal charges against the relevant police officers.
The original drug seizure involved crystal methamphetamine concealed in a consignment of towels inside containers at the Colombo Port, with police later expanding investigations into the suspected trafficking operation.