COLOMBO: (Bernama-Xinhua) Sri Lankan police are taking steps to repatriate 73 individuals involved in organised crime and drug trafficking who are hiding overseas. The country's Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said on Saturday (Aug 15), reported Xinhua.
Speaking to the media, the inspector general said the individuals are subject to international red notices. He added that investigations are also underway into nearly 100 other individuals believed to be involved in the aforementioned activities.
Sri Lanka has received strong international cooperation in its efforts to combat organised crime and narcotics, and the transparency and progress of the ongoing operations have been positively recognised by foreign countries and diplomatic missions, Weerasooriya said.
He also debunked claims that the authorities faced external pressure or threats demanding that the operations be halted, adding that they have instead received requests to intensify the crackdown.
Previously, Sri Lankan police said that red notices have been issued through Interpol to apprehend and bring back 93 wanted suspects hiding overseas in connection with crimes committed in Sri Lanka. - Bernama-Xinhua
