Illegal Sand Mining and Drug Trafficking Plague Trincomalee and Mullaitivu

Vanni District MP Thurairasa Ravikaran addressed concerns regarding extensive illegal sand extraction in Mullaitivu during a coordination committee meeting on September 15. Residents reported that the issue involved sand smuggling, theft, and the spread of drugs, including illicit alcohol, cannabis, and crystal methamphetamine. Complaints were also received that permits intended for sand extraction in Trincomalee were being used for illegal extraction in Mullaitivu.

The issue involves the alleged misuse of regulated extraction permits across two distinct districts. The situation has prompted calls for urgent action against the illegal sand mining and associated drug trafficking operations. Ravikaran stated that if Sri Lankan police could not control the situation, they should hand their weapons to local youth.