Secretary of the union J.A. Gunatilake was responding to an inquiry from Sri Lanka Mirror with regard to a request by them to the president to ensure that the seized drugs were destroyed after investigations.

In a statement, the union said that going by what was happening in the country, it could be surmised that wealthy racketeers with political and underworld connections were trying to use their powers to get back the seized drugs.

Customs have seized a large amount of heroin, but the local market did not seem to have been affected in any way.

There has been just one incident, like during times of acute shortages, when addicts turn fanatic and roam the streets in search of drugs, it adds.