The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Member. You raised a very important question. There is a serious problem here. However, since we must follow recruitment procedures, we have sought Cabinet approval to recruit 32 officers on contract, which will expedite matters. During the COVID period, there was a policy decision to reduce the prison population, including a policy choice regarding persons with less than a certain quantity of heroin. That decision, Hon. Member, was also based on the Government Analyst’s report. Without that report, it is difficult to proceed.

¶ 02 The main cause of the current issue is this: About two years ago, a small amendment was made to the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance requiring that if the drug quantity exceeds 10 grams, the matter must go to the Court of Appeal. Until the Government Analyst’s report is available, it is even difficult to decide the proper forum. Therefore, we must expedite the issuing of GA reports.

¶ 03 Recently, about 6,000 persons were arrested in relation to narcotics, and many of those cases are under investigation. That has increased report turnaround times. Nevertheless, we are taking urgent steps to reduce processing time because I, together with the Government, recognize this as a serious problem, and we are acting accordingly.