STF unveils new capability to combat crime

By. Norman Palihawadane

The Police Special Task Force has set up a special unit, named the Special Waterborne Operation Squad, to curb illegal activities in the country’s internal water bodies.

The new unit had been set up under the supervision of the Commandant of the STF, DIG Waruna Jayasundara, and a team of 16 officers had been selected for the purpose, Police spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said on Monday (10). The officers have also been given two weeks of training by the experts from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes and the Sri Lanka Powerboat Association, the STF said.

Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara officially launched the squad on Sunday (09) at the Bolgoda lake. Inspector WGL Fernando will be the OIC of this unit. The main objective of the Special Task Force (STF) is to curb illegal activities taking place, on waters, such as drug trafficking, smuggling of goods, sand, timber smuggling, illegal gem mining and illicit liquor production.