More than 80 suspects were arrested by the Police on the first day of the islandwide operations to combat organised crime, including narcotics trafficking and gun crime.

The operation, which was surprisingly announced a day in advance, was implemented on the instructions of Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.

The Police initiated islandwide operations yesterday (17), with the support of other security forces such as the Sri Lanka Army and the Police Special Task Force (STF).

During the first operation carried out in the Kolonnawa area with the participation of 156 police officers, 154 army personnel, and 16 STF officers, 625 persons of 165 houses in the area were searched for drugs. During the operation, the Police had arrested a total of 42 suspects for being in possession of drugs including heroin, cannabis, and ice (crystal methamphetamine), and sharp (edged) weapons.

Another search operation was conducted in Badowita in the Mount Lavinia area, with the participation of police officers attached to all 11 stations in the Mount Lavinia Police Division. During the operation, a total of 24 suspects who were in possession of drugs were arrested by the Police.

Meanwhile, the Police raided a house in the Ja-Ela area, and apprehended a consignment of 100 kilogrammes of cannabis worth Rs. 20 million. Acting IGP Tennakoon also visited the relevant location, and instructed the relevant police officers in the area to uncover details of the drug distribution network in the area and arrest all suspects who have been identified by the Police.

In addition, search operations were carried out by the Police in several other areas including Wattala, Kalutara, Panadura, Mawanella, Polonnaruwa, and Kilinochchi. Several suspects were arrested during operations in these areas.

The search operations to identify wanted persons – including those who have warrants out against them and organised crime figures – will continue, the Police said.