Do the Police arrest people for smoking?
The Neth FM website posted a news, which is that the Western Province Senior DIG’s Office stated that 637 suspects were arrested in special raids carried out by the police from 6.00 am yesterday (06) to 5.00 am today (07) covering the Western Province.
Among those arrested 283 suspects in possession of heroin, 124 suspects in possession of cannabis, 191 suspects in possession of illegal liquor and 09 suspects in possession of ice narcotics, was mentioned in news.
According to the report, 637 suspects have been arrested in the last 24 hours in the Western Province. But there is a question as to whether all these arrested persons are suspects. Among those arrested were those arrested by the police on suspicion of violating fundamental rights and human rights.
There is also a problem with yesterday’s arrests. It has been raining continuously in all parts of the Western Province including Colombo throughout yesterday. This writer had to travel in Kalutara, Colombo and Gampaha last night on a personal matter and did not see any police officers conducting special operations anywhere on the road during heavy rains. At least there was no police officer to handle the road from Kalutara to Gampaha via Colombo. If so, it is a matter of in-depth discussion as to how the special police operations were carried out in this manner and the suspects were arrested. It also appears that the current police are now taking steps to file charges against the suspects after their arrest.
Meanwhile, another method of trying to arrest people was revealed. This is because of the fact that some night drivers go to nightclubs and smoke cigarettes to avoid falling asleep. The AITHIYA website reported that some police officers were trying to arrest such peron. A driver who was involved in the incident said that he had to retreat from the police as he had publicly inquired about the incident at that time.
The number of suspects arrested by the police in such arrests has been increased numerically and is being pointed out to higher officials with the intention of adding a star to the uniform in the future. But this does not prevent them from being disappointed by the people.