112 Red Notice Suspects Tracked Across 13 Countries, Sri Lanka Moves to Bring Them Back

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's campaign against drug traffickers and organized crime figures operating beyond its borders is gathering momentum, with police revealing that 112 suspects wanted under Interpol Red Notices have now been identified in 13 countries and efforts are underway to bring them back to face justice.

Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent F.U. Wootler said authorities have significantly strengthened international cooperation in recent years, enabling Sri Lanka to pursue suspected criminals well beyond its shores.

Speaking on the ongoing operations, Wootler noted that during 2024, 2025 and 2026, Sri Lankan authorities successfully secured the return of 68 Red Notice suspects linked to narcotics trafficking and organized crime.

He revealed that police have already traced another 112 wanted suspects in 13 countries and expressed confidence that many of them could be extradited in the coming years.

"We have identified 112 Red Notice suspects in 13 countries. During 2026 and 2027, we expect to be able to bring most of these suspects back to Sri Lanka and take action against them under the country's laws."

According to Wootler, many of the suspects currently operating overseas continue to generate illegal income through criminal networks, particularly those linked to narcotics trafficking.

"These suspects who are residing abroad continue to earn money illegally. Drug trafficking is a network-based crime and a business driven by money. Many individuals have accumulated assets through these illegal activities."

As a result, Sri Lanka Police have expanded their focus beyond arrests to include tracing and confiscating assets believed to have been acquired through criminal activity.

Wootler said investigations are now being carried out around the clock by specialized police units operating under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police, with a focus on money laundering and the identification of proceeds derived from crime.

"Investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and into assets generated through criminal activities are being conducted 24 hours a day by two specialized units established under the direction of the Inspector General of Police."

The financial dimension of the crackdown has already produced significant results.

Police have initiated legal processes to acquire assets valued at Rs. 1.49 billion in 2024, Rs. 1.549 billion in 2025, and Rs. 1.656 billion in 2026.

The assets targeted include land, vehicles, jewellery, cash and other properties allegedly linked to organized criminal activity and drug trafficking.

The police spokesman also highlighted the scale of narcotics seizures made during the past three years, describing them as evidence of the intensified campaign against the drug trade.

"During the years 2024, 2025 and 2026, Sri Lanka Police seized a total of 4,483 kilograms of heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine. The total estimated value of those seizures is Rs. 107.94 billion."