UNDERWORLD CRIMES CONTINUE TO ROCK GOVT. Joint search operations ramped up

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Sri Lanka’s law enforcement authorities have intensified large-scale joint search operations across the country in response to a sharp rise in drug trafficking, underworld violence and gun-related crimes, the Daily Mirror learns.   

The operations, led by the Sri Lanka Police in coordination with the Special Task Force (STF), Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force, are being carried out as part of a high-priority crackdown aimed at restoring public safety and dismantling criminal networks.   

A senior police officer said that the operations are being carried out primarily at night and are kept confidential until the last moment to prevent suspects from escaping.   

He said the surprise nature of the raids has been designed to leave no room for criminal elements to flee targeted zones.   

The recent spike in violent crimes, particularly those tied to organised underworld activity, has alarmed authorities and prompted them to launch special operation against organised crimes.   

According to police statistics, more than 900 kilograms of heroin have been seized in 28,098 raids conducted in the past six months, resulting in the arrest of 28,092 suspects. Police also confiscated 9,231 kilograms of cannabis, with 30,865 suspects arrested, over 20 kilograms of cocaine (45 suspects), 1,378 kilograms of ICE (34,372 suspects) and 313 kilograms of hashish (382 suspects). In addition, 1,249 suspects were arrested in possession of 640,986 narcotic pills.   

Meanwhile, the country has witnessed more than 60 shootings since January 1, resulting in at least 40 deaths and injuries to over 30 others. Of these, police said that 45 incidents are directly linked to underworld crime. The most recent shooting occurred in Suduwella, Kosgama, on Saturday, where three people—including a 12-year-old girl—were injured.   

In response to the rising criminal activities, authorities have conducted several joint operations during the past few days.   

On July 4, over 300 suspects were arrested during overnight raids in Kandana, Ja-Ela, Wattala, and Ragama in the Western Province. These operations also included random vehicle inspections.   

On July 5, a total of 457 individuals were arrested during an operation conducted between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in Galle, Matara, and Elpitiya. The raids targeted known hotspots based on prior intelligence.   

On July 6, a joint operation across Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Seethawakapura, and Kegalle led to 120 arrests.

Among those taken into custody were 23 individuals with outstanding warrants, while 19 were charged with driving under the influence of liquor. Nearly 900 personnel from the police, STF, and armed forces took part in this mission.  

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs said that these intensified search operations will continue island-wide in the coming weeks.   

The ministry also urged the public to provide full cooperation, saying that community support is essential to ensure long-term safety, stability, and the success of these national anti-crime efforts.