Mapatunage Dhammika vs. The Hon. Attorney General – CA HCC 0215/23-2025

In the case between the Mapatunage Dhammika and The Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed the sufficiency of proof relating to the chain of custody and discrepancies in the weight of heroin seized. It was determined that the prosecution failed to establish the chain of custody beyond reasonable doubt, and discrepancies in the weight of the seized substance compromised the integrity of the evidence. The conviction and sentence under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance were set aside, reaffirming the principle that the prosecution must eliminate reasonable doubt and ensure integrity in the handling of productions in narcotics cases. This decision relied on established standards for evidence handling and trial fairness, emphasizing that any unresolved doubts or procedural ir