August 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities are intensifying efforts to locate and repatriate 73 alleged organised crime figures and drug traffickers who are believed to be living overseas and are the subjects of Interpol Red Notices.
Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said investigations were also progressing into nearly 100 other individuals suspected of having links to organised criminal networks and the narcotics trade.
Speaking to journalists in Kandy on Saturday (15), the IGP said international cooperation had played an important role in the authorities’ campaign against organised crime and drug trafficking. He noted that several foreign governments and diplomatic missions had taken a favourable view of the progress and transparency of the investigations.
According to Weerasooriya, Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies had not faced pressure from abroad to scale back the operations. Instead, he said, international partners had encouraged the authorities to strengthen their efforts against criminal networks.
The IGP added that the continuing crackdown had caused concern among individuals alleged to have financed, invested in or otherwise supported drug trafficking and organised criminal activities.
Addressing criticism directed at him by some politicians, Weerasooriya said he remained determined to carry out his duties and was not deterred by political opposition.
He also said he felt secure travelling around the country without extensive personal protection, arguing that he had not engaged in conduct that harmed society or violated the rights of others.
Weerasooriya further alleged that politicians who had misled the public or contributed to social problems were now finding it increasingly difficult to maintain public support and interact freely with communities.
Police are expected to continue working with international law enforcement agencies to track down suspects abroad, while investigations into domestic networks linked to organised crime and narcotics are also being expanded.