The Ministry of Public Security says Interpol Red Notices have been issued against 67 Sri Lankan criminals currently hiding overseas, as part of a renewed push to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the media that many of those suspects had used forged passports to flee abroad. However, intelligence agencies had identified the countries where a majority of them were now residing, he said.
The government is reportedly in close coordination with foreign ministries and law enforcement agencies in those countries to secure the suspects’ arrest and extradition.
According to the Minister, nearly 20 suspects have already been repatriated in recent months under this initiative.
Investigations have revealed that several high-profile drug trafficking and contract killings in Sri Lanka have been directed by individuals operating from abroad. The CID is spearheading the probes into these networks.
Meanwhile, a separate inquiry has been launched into some immigration officers suspected of aiding these fugitives by issuing fraudulent passports.Minister Wijepala said that anti-narcotics and national security operations were continuing without pause, as authorities step up efforts to neutralise criminal threats both locally and internationally.
By Hemantha Randunu 