NDDCB sees increase in use of ganja
The use of cannabis had increased in Sri Lanka due to a propaganda campaign led by the drug mafia, Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) Shakya Nanayakkara said on Wednesday addressing the media.
He said that the use of heroin had dropped while there was an increase in the use of amphetamine and cannabis. Nanayakkara said some prescription drugs were also abused as recreational drugs.
“There are about 100,000 heroin users. 300,000 cannabis users and about 50,000 amphetamine users.About 1.8 million Sri Lankans consume tobacco while 2.5 million use alcohol,” he said.
He said that about 40,000 Sri Lankans died annually due to illnesses caused by tobacco and alcohol.
“The companies need to find new customers to replace those who died. There is a lot of effort to attract women into drugs,” he said.
The NDDCB also works with the Navy and other state agencies to curb the supply of drugs.
