The Police Department's all out war on drugs and organized crimes is likely to be jeopardized with the retirement of Senior DIG M.R. Latiff on February 01. 

Latiff heads the Police Special Task Force (STF) and also oversees its operations on drug networks and organized criminals. He was instrumental in launching successful raids on drug networks and some of the most notorious criminals in the recent past. 

The senior Police officer, one of the most respected figures in the Police service at the moment, has not been granted a service extension, Asian Mirror reliably learns. Instead of giving him an extension, President  Maithripala Sirisena has offered him a high- profile assignment at the Presidential Secretariat.  

However, informed sources within the Police department stated that Latiff would not accept a "desk job" at the Presidential Secretariat. "He will bid adieu to the service on February 01," they added. 

One of the most decorated officers in the Police service, Latiff actively took part in several operations against the LTTE, including in the destruction of the Beirut Base camp at Kokkadicholai in 1987.