Over 80,000 people checked at nearly 2,000 roadblocks

The police on Saturday conducted a 4-hour country-wide special  roadblock operations in which more than 40,000 vehicles have been checked at nearly 2,000 roadblocks, police said.

They said the operation was conducted from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm on Saturday and that a total of 14,420 police officers took part in it.

A total number of 80,985 individuals travelling in 43,596 vehicles have been examined during the operation and suspects were arrested with possession of narcotics, firearms and traffic violations in addition to the suspects wanted by the police.

Accordingly, 172 suspects were arrested with narcotics including heroin and cannabis.

Three locally-made weapons and 8,942 litres of illicit liquor too were taken into the custody.

Police said 243 suspects who were under arrest warrant and 40 suspects wanted over various crimes were also arrested.

In addition, 201 persons were taken into custody for suspicious behaviour.

A total of 195 individuals have been charged for drunk driving, while 5,514 persons for traffic violations.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)