27 December 2023 09:10 am
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
Negotiations are underway to bring back 30 criminals involved in drug trafficking and organized crime in France and Dubai with red notices obtained for their arrest, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said.
Sri Lanka has initiated a special operation to arrest and repatriate 30 criminals engaged in drug trafficking and underworld activities abroad, he said.
He said the government has received intelligence on 29 underworld members operating in Dubai and one in France.
Minister Alles announced these measures during an event in Kirindiwela, confirming ongoing discussions with concerned countries for their extradition to Sri Lanka.
In response to queries about the island-wide ‘Yukthiya’ operation, Minister Alles clarified that there is no decision to halt the operation. He assured that the operation will continue. “Objections to ‘Yukthiya’ come from those hindering its progress. We aim to completely halt underworld and drug trafficking in the country within the next six months,” he said.
Commenting regarding actions against underworld members in Dubai and France, Minister Alles highlighted the complexity of legal procedures in these countries.
“Negotiations are underway with relevant nations, and we have obtained red notices for their arrest. Despite legal challenges, we are committed to bringing them to Sri Lanka,” he said.
When questioned about on guaranteeing the complete eradication of the underworld and drug trafficking in six months, Minister Alles acknowledged the difficulty but emphasized taking maximum measures against these issues.
“While complete eradication may be challenging globally, we are dedicated to robust action against the underworld and drug trade,” he said.