The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), with the support of the Colombo Fort Police, carried out a special raid in the Galle Face area on Monday, targeting vendors engaged in unfair trade practices.

During the operation, CAA officers detected traders who were selling products above stipulated prices and offering expired goods to customers.

CAA officials said strict legal action will be taken against those found violating consumer protection laws. 

The CAA emphasized that safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring public safety remain top priorities, and pledged to continue island‑wide enforcement operations to curb malpractice. (Newswire)

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A suspect linked to multiple crimes and identified as a close associate of an organized criminal has escaped police custody in Elpitiya after attacking an officer with a sharp weapon during a raid in the Kahaduwa area.

The Police said a team from the Elpitiya Police Station had gone to the location last night (30) to apprehend suspects when they attempted to assault officers, prompting police to fire shots into the air. Two suspects fled, with officers pursuing them.

During the attempted arrest, one suspect struck a police officer with a sharp weapon. Police then opened fire, injuring the suspect in the hand. 

He was handcuffed and taken into custody, but another group later arrived and forcibly took him away.

The suspect remains at large, while the injured police officer is receiving treatment at Elpitiya Hospital.

The Police stated that the suspect is wanted in connection with several serious offenses and investigations are underway to re‑arrest him. (Newswire)

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A 25‑year‑old resident of Hokandara was arrested on Monday (29) after Police seized five high‑powered motorcycles and two counterfeit number plates during a raid in the Athurugiriya Police Division.

According to the Police, the operation was carried out at noon in the Hokandara area by a team from the Homagama Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, acting on information received. 

The suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Athurugiriya Police Station. Further investigations are underway into the case. (Newswire)

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Police have arrested a 47‑year‑old resident of Palugolla in connection with the circulation of video footage showing officers being obstructed during a narcotics arrest in the Kotawehera Division. 

According to the Police, the suspect was taken into custody last afternoon (23) by a team from the Nikaweratiya Police, following investigations that identified five individuals involved in recording and disseminating the footage.

The incident traces back to May 16, when the Kotawehera Police raided the Palugolla area and arrested two suspects, aged 19 and 28, with small quantities of ICE narcotics.

The suspects, residents of Mahauswewa, were produced before the Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court on May 17, released on bail, and later fined Rs. 5,000 each after pleading guilty on May 21.

During their transport to the Police station, five residents allegedly formed an unlawful assembly, obstructed officers, used criminal force, and recorded the confrontation. 

The footage was later circulated on social media, inaccurately linked to a separate incident in the Deraniyagala Police Division.

The Police said further investigations are underway to apprehend the remaining four suspects involved in the obstruction and video circulation. (Newswire)

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The Walana Central Anti‑Vice Strike Force raided nine brothels operating under the guise of massage centers in the Thalawathugoda area, it was reported.

According to media reports, 43 individuals including 34 women were arrested during the raid. 

The raids targeted establishments engaging in illicit activities under the guise of massage centers. (Newswire)

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Four suspects have been arrested with 26.770 kilos of cannabis during a police raid in the Pahanakaduwa area of the Udawalawa Police Division.

According to the Police, the operation was carried out yesterday (28) by officers of the Embilipitiya Division Crime Investigation Unit, acting on a tip‑off. 

The suspects are also believed to be connected to cattle theft incidents in the area.

Police said the arrested individuals are residents of Pallebedda and Thanamalwila, aged 26, 31, 37 and 46. 

They were taken into custody and presented to the Udawalawa Police Station for further processing. The Udawalawa Police have launched further investigations into the case. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says it has intensified islandwide raids targeting traders selling rice above the gazetted maximum retail price (MRP).

As part of the ongoing operation, CAA officials on Friday (02) carried out several special raids in the Piliyandala area.

During the inspections, officials detected a trader at the Bokundara Economic Centre selling a kilogram of Keeri Samba rice for Rs. 360, exceeding the approved maximum retail price.

The CAA said legal action will be taken against traders found violating price regulations.

The authority also urged consumers to check the gazetted maximum retail price when purchasing rice and avoid paying more than the stipulated amount.

Consumers were further requested to report unfair sales practices or the hoarding of goods through the CAA hotline 1977 during office hours. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says that Police units have been permitted to conduct raids in any Police Division, if the Police in that area are not taking the necessary action.

Addressing a meeting, Minister Wijepala said that permission has been granted to the Police Special Task Force (STF) and, in some instances, the Colombo Police Division, to conduct raids beyond their jurisdictions. 

“If the OIC in charge of a particular area has failed to act despite getting information, then we have permitted the STF and, in some instances, the Colombo Police Division, to conduct raids in other Police Divisions. Such raids are continuing. There are no obstacles,” he said. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the Police are now allowed to conduct raids in any Police Division at any time. (Newswire)

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The Kegalle District Consumer Affairs Office carried out special raids on Sunday (05), targeting traders in Thalduwa and Dehiowita towns who were exploiting consumers during the Avurudu festive season.

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), shops and beauty salons were thoroughly inspected, and strict legal action was taken against those found guilty of malpractice. 

Offences uncovered included selling Samba rice above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), hoarding Keeri Samba rice while falsely claiming it was out of stock, selling goods without price displays, offering expired goods for sale, and selling items without mandatory SLS certification. Inspections also revealed the use of substandard materials in beauty salons.

Authorities urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing goods during the festive season, reminding them to check expiry dates and displayed prices. 

The CAA further encouraged the public to report any irregularities via its hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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Two suspects have been arrested by the Colombo Division Crime Branch for illegally storing diesel without a license.

According to the Police, the arrests were made on Sunday (05), during a raid carried out in the D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha area under the Maradana Police Division. 

Acting on a tip‑off, officers seized 826 litres of diesel along with Rs. 72,210, suspected to have been earned through unauthorized fuel sales.

The suspects, aged 23 and 61, are residents of Wellawatta and Wariyapola.

The Colombo Division Crime Branch has launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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A group of foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, were detained following a raid on a leading hotel in Chilaw, with authorities now investigating a large number of computers found at the premises.

Police said the hotel had been leased to Chinese nationals about two months ago. According to reports, a significant number of computers were operating from the location, prompting suspicion among residents.

Area residents said the individuals had told them they were conducting computer-related training. However, locals grew suspicious due to the unusual number of foreign nationals staying at the hotel and informed the authorities.

Officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police surrounded the hotel and carried out the operation. During the raid, several Chinese nationals reportedly broke glass windows and attempted to flee the premises.

Residents assisted authorities in apprehending those who escaped, while two individuals who sustained injuries during the incident were admitted to the Chilaw Hospital for treatment.

Locals said they initially believed only a few individuals were staying at the hotel, but during the operation, it was revealed that a large number, estimated between 100 and 150 people, were inside the premises.

The computers and related equipment found at the hotel have been taken for examination by CID officers, while further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police carried out separate raids in Negombo and Kalutara North on Friday (20), leading to the arrest of three suspects for possessing and selling petrol without permits.

Two suspects, aged 51 and 53, were arrested in the Akkara 50 and Dalupotha areas of the Negombo Police Division for the possession of 18 litres of petrol without a permit. 

The arrests were made after officers from the Negombo Police Station conducted a raid based on information received. 

Both suspects are residents of Akkara 50 and Dalupotha. The Negombo Police are conducting further investigations.

Meanwhile, a 32‑year‑old resident of Bosiripura was arrested in the Kalutara North Police Division for possessing and selling 35.5 litres of petrol without a permit. 

The arrest followed a raid carried out by officers from the Kalutara North Police Station acting on a tip‑off. 

Further investigations are underway by the Kalutara North Police. (Newswire)

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A large-scale cannabis cultivation operation was uncovered and destroyed following a joint raid carried out by officers of the Bandarawela Divisional Crimes Investigation Unit and troops from the Diyathalawa Army Camp.

The two-day operation was conducted in the Iluktenna forest reserve area within the Haldummulla Police Division, where several cannabis plantations spread across multiple acres were detected.

Police seized and destroyed cannabis cultivations covering:

• Two plots of approximately 2.5 acres each
• One plot of approximately 2 acres
• One plot of approximately 1 acre
• One plot of approximately 0.5 acres
• One plot of approximately 0.25 acres

In addition, around 115 kilograms of dried cannabis were recovered.

After obtaining samples for court evidence, the entire cultivation was set on fire and destroyed. 

The suspects involved in the operation had fled the area prior to the raid, and investigations are underway to identify and arrest those responsible, police said. (Newswire/ File pic)

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A foreign employment agency that had its license temporarily suspended due to involvement in overseas job fraud has been raided by the Special Investigation Unit of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

The raid was carried out on Thursday (20) in the Maradana area, following information that the agency was continuing to recruit workers for foreign employment without a valid license.

Investigations revealed that the agency’s license had been suspended after receiving 85 complaints related to foreign employment fraud. During the raid, the license holder and three officials working at the agency were taken into custody by investigators.

Authorities also seized a large number of documents, including 256 foreign travel passports, believed to be linked to fraudulent recruitment activities.

The suspects were produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court yesterday (21).

The SLBFE has urged the public to exercise caution when seeking foreign employment.

It advised that before handing over money or passports to any agency or individual, applicants should verify whether the agency holds a valid license and whether it has received official job orders.

For verification, the public can visit the official SLBFE website (www.slbfe.lk) or contact the 1989 hotline for instant information. (Newswire)

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Police said five men and five women were arrested in connection with obstructing duties and attacking Police officers of the Kilinochchi Special Task Force during an illegal liquor raid in the Sudalakulam area on Sunday morning (Nov 2).

During the operation, a group armed with iron and wooden poles reportedly attacked the officers and helped a suspect escape. Two STF officers were injured and admitted to the Kilinochchi Hospital.

The arrested suspects, aged between 16 and 45, are residents of Ramanadapuram. They are to be produced before the Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court today (Nov 3).

Ramanadapuram Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) conducted special raids in Pettah yesterday, focusing on cosmetic and food outlets.

The CAA had detected unauthorized whitening creams and unregistered cosmetic products, which pose serious health risks to consumers, in several shops. 

During the raids, the CAA also found large stocks of imported chocolates without proper labelling, expiry dates, or ingredient information, which violate consumer protection laws and create serious safety concerns for the public.

The Consumer Affairs Authority said it will continue its island-wide inspections to protect consumers and ensure that only safe, genuine, and lawfully imported products are available.

The public is urged to report suspicious or unsafe products via the CAA’s hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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A total of 878 individuals were arrested for drug-related offences during special operations conducted by the Police yesterday, with the aim of suppressing drug-related and underworld activities in Sri Lanka. 

According to the Ministry of Public Security, 530 individuals with outstanding warrants were also taken into custody during the multiple raids conducted across the country. 

The Police had also seized 06 illegal firearms during the operations jointly carried out by the Sri Lanka Police, the Special Task Force, and the Tri-Forces, under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Security.

The Police had also seized large hauls of narcotics. In the Chavakachcheri Police Division, 284.415 Kilos of Kerala cannabis were seized, and in the Wattala Police Division, on Old Negombo Road, 1.230 kilos of heroin were confiscated.

Additionally, special traffic operations were also conducted yesterday, during which 103 persons were arrested for drunk driving and legal action was taken against 4,060 individuals for various other traffic violations.

Throughout yesterday, 6,676 personnel from the Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force, and Tri-Forces participated in these special search operations. A total of 26,125 individuals were inspected, along with 10,791 vehicles and 8,091 motorcycles.

Under the supervision of Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, continuous operations are being carried out to eradicate drugs, suppress organized criminal activities, arrest individuals involved in narcotics, and minimize road accidents nationwide. (Newswire)

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A total of 120 individuals have been arrested for various offences during raids and special operations conducted between 06.00 pm – 10.00 pm on Sunday in the Sabaragamuwa Province. 

According to the Police, over 900 officers, including the STF and the Army, were deployed for this purpose, with 32 checkpoints in operation at the time. 

The raids and inspections were conducted in the Sabaragamuwa Province, covering the Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Seethawakapura, and Kegalle areas. 

Among the 120 persons arrested, 16 persons against whom arrest warrants had been issued and 07 with open warrants were apprehended. 

The Police filed 65 cases against persons arrested with stocks of narcotics, including heroin, ICE, and cannabis.

During inspections of 101 persons and 31 vehicles, cases were filed against 19 persons for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The raids and inspections were carried out per the Acting IGP’s orders to curb drug and other crimes in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police have carried out multiple raids on 26 and 27 May, arresting several individuals in possession of heroin, crystal methamphetamine (ICE), and hashish.

In Grandpass, Colombo Crimes Division officers arrested three men aged 24, 30, and 34, and an 80-year-old woman, seizing over 50 grams of ICE and over 05 grams of heroin. The suspects are residents of Colombo 14.

In Nittambuwa and Peliyagoda, two men aged 34 were arrested with 127.5 grams of Ice during a raid conducted yesterday. The suspects are residents of Nittambuwa and Kelaniya.

The Thalangama Police arrested two suspects with over 21 grams of ICE. The suspects, aged 28 and 38, are residents of Koslanda and Madiwala. 

A 20-year-old male from Colombo 14 has been arrested in Grandpass with 11.1 grams of ICE yesterday, while a 21-year-old resident of Colombo 15 has been arrested in Mattakkuliya with 11 grams of ICE.

The Police have arrested a 66-year-old male in Wellampitiya with 7.3 grams of heroin.

In Dematagoda, two men were taken into custody with 21 grams of ICE and 30 grams of hashish. The suspects are residents of Colombo 09. 

The respective Police Stations are conducting further investigations into the incidents. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has raided shops around the Colombo National Hospital, found to be operating in violation of the consumer law. 

According to the CAA, the shops were found to be selling goods at high prices and without displaying prices.

The raids were conducted recently (10 May), based on a tip-off, while the CAA has initiated action against those violating the laws. (Newswire)

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