As Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam took the floor in Parliament to accuse the Sri Lankan military of playing a “major role in spreading narcotics in the North,” fate appeared to deliver its own dark punchline back in his political heartland — on the very same day, the son of a TNPF member was arrested with 20 grams of ‘ICE’ (crystal meth).
The Fiery Speech in Parliament
Speaking in Parliament, MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam launched a blistering attack on the State’s handling of the drug menace:
“The military has played a significant role in spreading narcotics in the Northern Province. Only a government that genuinely cares for the people can completely eradicate this problem,” he declared.
He went on to say that during the LTTE-controlled years, narcotics use in Tamil Eelam areas was “virtually zero,” because “the Tigers operated with a desire to protect their people.”
According to him, the large-scale inflow of drugs in the North began only after the end of the war in 2009 — and, he alleged, “the military itself is deeply engaged in this operation.”
Ponnambalam further stated that in some places, “army camps have turned into shelters for anti-social elements.”
The drug trade that was once used “to weaken the Tamil revolution,” he warned, “has now spread to the South like a cancer.”
He urged the government to remove the military entirely from anti-drug operations and involve only trained professionals, adding that “drug sellers, not users, must be punished.”
Meanwhile, in Jaffna…
While Ponnambalam’s speech was being dissected on social media, news broke that two youths — including the son of a TNPF Jaffna Municipal Council member — had been arrested with 20 grams of ICE.
Police identified one suspect, Muthu, also known as Sajee, as the son of Thuraisingam Yogarasa (commonly referred to as Aththan), who contested the last Municipal Council election from Kandarmadam, Northeast Ward 3.
Both suspects, aged 23 and 25, were arrested by the Jaffna District Crime Prevention Division based on a tip-off. Officers also recovered a dangerous sword, and according to reports, the suspects even attempted to bribe police officers to avoid arrest.
Police sources confirmed that investigations are continuing into their alleged links with local gangs.
Rs. 2 Million Bribe Refused
According to police sources, the suspects attempted to bribe Police Inspector Sutharsan with Rs. 2 million to secure their release. Sutharsan refused the bribe and proceeded with the arrests in accordance with the law.
The investigating officer's integrity has drawn particular attention in local Tamil media, with some commentators questioning why the Police Department has not publicly recognized his actions.
"We have heard countless stories of police officers taking bribes—so often that the public has grown numb to it," wrote one Tamil columnist. "If you cannot entirely stop bribery, at least honor those who refuse it and uphold the integrity of the uniform."
The columnist suggested that the lack of official recognition might be due to Inspector Sutharsan being Tamil, noting, "If the same had been done by a Sinhalese officer, the authorities might have paraded him as a hero by now."
A Seven-Year Criminal Record
Police records indicate that Muthu, alias Sajee, has been operating a violent gang centered around Arasadi Road for approximately seven years. Four years ago, he was reportedly arrested at Thirunelveli junction when a large quantity of narcotics was found in his private vehicle, a Vezel car, but was released from remand within days.
The gang's activities have long troubled residents of the Arasadi area. Earlier this month, several women from local families held a silent protest outside the Jaffna Police Station, specifically demanding his arrest and citing his group's involvement in violent activities and drug trafficking.
Police have confirmed that investigations are continuing into the suspects' alleged links with local gangs and drug networks.
Political Lawyer Reportedly Sought Bail
Reports have emerged that a lawyer identified as Nishanthan, who is said to have links with another Tamil nationalist party, the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), has reportedly attempted to secure bail for the two suspects in court.
Local sources allege that the lawyer has been involved in several controversies in recent years and is believed to have acquired multiple properties.
The reported involvement of politically affiliated individuals has added yet another layer of complexity to what is already a politically sensitive case.
