Authorities have confirmed that 15 out of 82 Sri Lankan fugitives wanted under INTERPOL Red Notices, including for murder and other serious crimes, are currently residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it was reported.
State newspaper Dinamina reported, citing a senior police official, that UAE security agencies have notified INTERPOL of the presence of these individuals and are reportedly monitoring them closely.
Among them is Lalith Kannangara, a notorious drug trafficker linked to organized crime, who was arrested by Dubai Police in October. Although efforts were made to extradite him to Sri Lanka, he has since filed an appeal with the UAE Supreme Court, delaying the process.
A senior police official stated that the legal proceedings could take at least four months to conclude. A Sri Lankan legal representative has already traveled to Dubai to assist with the case, he added. (Newswire)