COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Customs on Wednesday, said the rate of narcotics entering the country has risen rapidly, in line with the prevailing situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Smugglers and those engaged in illegal acts are attempting to take advantage of the situation due to COVID-19, and smuggle illicit narcotics from overseas, concealed among other items,” said Sunil Jayaratne, the Deputy Director of Sri Lanka Customs on Wednesday.

According to Jayaratne a special operation conducted jointly by Sri Lanka Police and the Police Narcotic Bureau, is currently underway to control and prevent the entry of narcotics to the country.

As a preventive measure, “All goods that are imported to Sri Lanka from countries that are identified as narcotic hubs will be inspected and cleared for narcotics, with the assistance of the K-9 unit of Sri Lanka Police,” said Sunil Jayaratne.

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