- Nearly 600,000 drug-related operations conducted
- 112 overseas fugitives targeted for return
The Sri Lanka Police has seized narcotics worth an estimated Rs. 224 billion and 4,056 firearms and other weapons over the past two years, conducting nearly 600,000 drug-related operations involving more than 596,000 suspects, while intensifying efforts to bring back over 100 wanted criminals who have fled overseas.
Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler told The Sunday Morning that 597,964 drug-related operations had been conducted during the period, involving 596,591 suspects, as authorities stepped up efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and organised crime.
He revealed that 68 individuals identified as among Sri Lanka’s most wanted criminals had already been brought back from overseas, while arrangements were underway to secure the return of another 112 suspects.
According to ASP Wootler, Interpol red notices had been issued in connection with suspects located across 13 countries, as part of ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals who had fled Sri Lanka.
He said that those already returned to the country had been produced before local courts and would face legal proceedings in accordance with Sri Lankan law.
Meanwhile, Police statistics indicate that a total of 43,726 kg of narcotics, valued at approximately Rs. 224 billion, had been seized during the period. The haul includes 4,009 kg of heroin, 6,526 kg of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘ice’), and 28,441 kg of cannabis.
ASP Wootler attributed the increased detections and arrests to intensified Police operations and information received from the public through the 1818 hotline. He thanked the public for their cooperation, noting that information provided through the hotline had contributed to drug detections, arrests, and investigations across the country.
He added that narcotics had been intercepted along maritime routes and during operations conducted within the country, following an increase in raids.
The Police Spokesperson also highlighted the seizure of 4,056 firearms and other weapons over the two-year period, including military-grade weapons and locally manufactured firearms.
According to Police statistics, the weapons recovered include 97 T-56 assault rifles, one AK-47 assault rifle, 143 pistols, 105 revolvers, 397 12-bore shotguns, and 100 improvised firearms, including handmade shotguns and repeating or pump-action shotguns. The remaining 3,213 weapons comprise muzzle-loading guns, trap or set guns, and other types of firearms.
ASP Wootler said the Police had taken charge of a substantial number of weapons that had been transported between the northern, eastern, and southern parts of the country.
He also pointed to the Government’s nationwide anti-narcotics campaign Ratama Ekata (A Nation United), which marked its first anniversary on 30 October, describing the coordinated operations as having produced significant results.
He said that the campaign had brought together the Police, the armed forces, the Special Task Force, the Judiciary, the Attorney General’s Department, and other State institutions in a coordinated effort to combat the drug menace.
According to ASP Wootler, cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the public had contributed to increased detections and arrests.
Police investigations and international coordination efforts are continuing to secure the return of the remaining 112 suspects identified overseas, while operations targeting narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms remain ongoing.