Police tighten noose on organised crime with 226 Red Notices

Colombo, May 25 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has widened its international manhunt, securing 226 Interpol Red Notices targeting suspects believed in hiding across multiple countries, including the UAE, India, Russia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Colombo Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Nishantha Soysa said since the current administration assumed office, nearly 70 wanted fugitives have been repatriated to Sri Lanka, including 35 through Interpol Red Notices and 33 via bilateral diplomatic arrangements with foreign governments.

DIG Soysa further said that intelligence-led operations carried out during the 2025–2026 period resulted in major breakthroughs against organised criminal networks. Investigations linked to arrested and deported suspects have led to the recovery of 272 automatic and semi-automatic firearms.

The seized weapons cache includes 83 T-56 assault rifles, one M16 rifle, 113 pistols, and 75 revolvers, dealing a significant blow to illegal arms trafficking and organised criminal syndicates operating in the country.

He said a major coordinated security operation led to the deportation and arrest of 21 Sri Lankan nationals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week. The group, comprising 19 men and two women, arrived in Sri Lanka on May 22, 2026, aboard two separate flights from Sharjah.

The suspects were initially detained by UAE authorities during intensified national security operations launched in response to recent regional military tensions and localised security threats.

According to DIG Soysa, the individuals were arrested for violating local UAE regulations and were subsequently deported to Sri Lanka through coordinated diplomatic and intelligence efforts involving the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Ministry of Public Security, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and State Intelligence Services.
Police have already identified five prominent organised crime figures and eight suspects wanted for various criminal offenses and active court warrants among the deportees. Two of the suspects are reportedly key underworld operatives facing Interpol Red Notices.

The remaining individuals are being thoroughly investigated by police. Police said those found not to be involved in any criminal activity or without pending cases in Sri Lanka will be released through due legal procedures, while others suspected of serious offences will be held under detention orders for further questioning.