July 06, Colombo (LNW): In an extensive overnight crackdown across several urban areas in western Sri Lanka, security forces apprehended more than 300 individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activity.
The coordinated operation, which unfolded on the night of July 04, targeted the localities of Kandana, Ja-Ela, Wattala, and Ragama—regions flagged in recent weeks due to an uptick in lawlessness and drug-related violence.
This large-scale effort was carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Security and drew on combined manpower from the Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force (STF), the Sri Lanka Army, and the Sri Lanka Navy.
Authorities described the mission as a strategic intervention in areas deemed high-risk due to escalating reports of gang activity, drug trafficking, and violent altercations.
Amongst those taken into custody were individuals allegedly connected to narcotics distribution networks, as well as several wanted in connection with prior offences ranging from theft to assault.
A cache of illicit substances and several unregistered motorcycles and weapons were also recovered during the sweep, according to preliminary reports.
