‘Protect our youth from drug addiction!’

Following a spate of reported drug-related deaths in Jaffna, staff at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital held a rally through the town on Thursday, demanding action be taken to prevent substance abuse and addiction.

As many as 10-drug related deaths are reported to have occurred in Jaffna within the span of the last three months.

The Federation of Jaffna Teaching Hospital Trade Unions demanded action – including the arrest of dealers that have been fuelling the trade.

In other areas across the North-East, Tamils have alleged that criminal gangs have colluded with the Sri Lankan security forces to carry out activities such as illegal drug dealing.