October 16, Colombo (LNW): Law enforcement authorities carried out a major island-wide crackdown on crime and narcotics yesterday, resulting in the arrest of over 500 individuals linked to a range of offences.
The coordinated operations were undertaken across all police divisions under the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), with a focus on dismantling criminal networks and curbing drug-related activities.
According to official figures, the intensive operation saw a total of 28,020 individuals subjected to inspection within a single day. Of those, 577 were taken into custody on grounds of suspicion, while 17 individuals were directly connected to active criminal investigations.
A significant number of arrests were made involving individuals who had evaded justice. Police apprehended 269 persons who were the subject of outstanding arrest warrants, and another 144 who were listed under open warrants, suggesting a strong emphasis on reining in repeat offenders and fugitives from the law.
Traffic enforcement also featured prominently in the operation. Fifteen drivers were detained for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, while 13 were arrested for reckless driving. In addition, 3,504 citations were issued for a range of other traffic-related violations, reflecting broader concerns over road safety and discipline.
