Cases of inmates remanded over drug charges to be expedited

Measures will be taken to expedite the court proceedings of 6,334 inmates remanded over drug-related charges, the State Ministry of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation said.

The ministry said in a statement that the move was aimed at reducing overcrowding in prisons.

Accordingly, it has been decided to expedite the proceedings of the inmates who have been remanded over possession of less than 02 grams of heroin and less than 5 kilograms of cannabis.

A report containing their information has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice, the statement read.

State Minister of Prison Reforms and Prisoners Rehabilitation Sudarshani Fernandopulle is scheduled to meet Minister of Justice Ali Sabri, today (23),to raise awareness in this regard and the current situation in prisons.