Sri Lanka, Aug. 10 -- Security authorities have received intelligence information alleging that some powerful overseas-based drug traffickers could be behind the recent spate of unrest and violent incidents in several prisons.

They are said to be using their acolytes to create unrest among drug addicted inmates who are in a state of mental distress due to withdrawal symptoms as drug smuggling routes into prisons have been largely blocked.

According to intelligence agencies, drug-addicted inmates were at the forefront of the recent unrest and clashes that broke out at the Colombo New Magazine, Kuruwita, and Pallansena Open Prison for Young Offenders, as well as the Mahara Prison. Four inmates died and over 50 others were injured in these...