Daundage Nadeesha Dilshani Vs. OIC The Headquarters Police Special Task Force and others – CA BAIL 0080/2023-2023

In the case between Daundage Nadeesha Dilshani (Petitioner) and Amarapurage Ranuja Salitha Ranathissa (2nd Accused), along with several state agencies as Respondents, the court addressed whether bail should be granted under Section 83(2) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act No. 41 of 2022, in light of the accused’s apprehension for possession of 25.756 grams of pure heroin. The holding established that the seriousness of the offence, the quantity involved, the risk of absconding, and the absence of exceptional circumstances precluded the grant of bail. The decision reaffirmed the principle that bail is not to be granted in cases involving commercial quantities of dangerous drugs unless genuine and compelling exceptional circumstances are demonstrated. This determinatio