A Retrospective Medico-Legal Profiling Study of Drug-Related Suspects Examined by the Judicial Medical Officer at District General Hospital, Mullaitivu (2020–2025)

Abstract

Background: Drug-related crime and substance abuse continue to escalate in Sri Lanka, including in post-conflict districts such as Mullaitivu. Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs) occupy a pivotal role in assessing suspects brought by police, yet empirical data from Northern Province JMO registries remain scarce. This study aimed to characterise the socio-demographic, clinical, and medicolegal profiles of drug-related suspects examined at the District General Hospital (DGH), Mullaitivu. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using archived medico-legal examination records of 50 suspects produced by police to the Office of the Judicial Medical Officer, DGH Mullaitivu, between August 2020 and July 2025. A structured pro-forma extracted socio-demographic data, substance-use histories, crime typologies, clinical examination findings, and medico-legal opinions. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22; categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: All 50 suspects were male. The predominant age group was 20–29 years (68.0%). Most were married (56.0%), held only primary education (72.0%), and earned less than LKR 20,000 per month (46.0%). Unemployment and self-employment together accounted for 54.0% of the cohort. Illicit drugs (primarily opioids) constituted the arrest substance in 80.0% of cases. The mean age of first drug use was 23.8 years (range 13–36). Consumption was the most common crime type (56.0%), and 82.0% reported being under the influence at the time of the offence. Opioid withdrawal signs were documented in 86.0% of cases. The predominant medico-legal opinion was that the suspect was under the influence of a drug (46.0%), followed by clinical signs consistent with drug or alcohol abuse (38.0%). Conclusions: This study provides baseline medico-legal data on drug suspects in a Northern Province district previously understudied. Young, socio-economically marginalised males dominate the cohort; opioid use and withdrawal are the principal clinical features. Findings underscore the need for targeted rehabilitation frameworks and enhanced forensic documentation in postconflict settings.