Sri Lanka Police are taking steps to bring back 73 alleged underworld figures and drug traffickers hiding overseas who are subject to international Red Notices, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said.
Speaking to the media in Kandy on Saturday (15), the IGP said investigations were also underway into nearly 100 other individuals believed to be involved in organised crime and drug trafficking.
“We have around 73 more Red Notice suspects to bring back. We believe there are nearly another 100 individuals as well,” Weerasooriya said.
The IGP said Sri Lanka had received strong international cooperation in its efforts to combat organised crime and narcotics, adding that the transparency and progress of the ongoing operations had been positively recognised by foreign countries and diplomatic missions.
He said there had been no external pressure or threats demanding that the operations be halted, while authorities had instead received requests to intensify the crackdown.
However, Weerasooriya claimed that individuals who had financed, invested in or otherwise assisted criminal and drug trafficking networks were now deeply concerned by the ongoing operations.
Responding to remarks made about him by certain politicians, the IGP said he was not intimidated and was prepared to face any challenge.
Weerasooriya said he could travel anywhere in the country even without special security because he had not committed any social injustice or caused harm to society.
He further claimed that it was politicians who had misled the public and caused damage to society who now faced difficulties engaging with the people. (Newswire)