IntelScoops

Colombo – August 4, 2025

In one of the largest coordinated law enforcement actions this year, 748 individuals were arrested across Sri Lanka during a special island-wide operation carried out on Saturday, August 3. The operation, conducted under the direction of the Police Headquarters in Colombo, targeted a wide range of criminal activity—from narcotics trafficking and illegal liquor sales to traffic violations and outstanding warrants.

According to the Police Media Division, a total of 25,870 individuals were stopped and checked within a 24-hour period across multiple districts, as teams mobilised simultaneously in urban centres, rural villages, and high-risk zones.

Criminal Arrests and Warrants Executed

Among those taken into custody, police confirmed that:

23 suspects were identified as being directly involved in ongoing criminal investigations; 371 individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants issued by various courts island-wide.

Law enforcement officers also seized contraband during several raids, including illegal narcotics, firearms, and unlicensed liquor, though the full inventory is yet to be disclosed.

Major Road Safety Violations Detected

The operation also placed strong emphasis on road safety enforcement:

110 individuals were arrested for drunk driving; 25 motorists were charged with reckless driving; 3,202 additional traffic violations were recorded, ranging from expired licenses to dangerous overtaking.

Officers from the Traffic Police Division joined forces with local units to monitor main roads and suburban routes, using mobile checkpoints and surveillance vehicles.

Strategic Effort to Disrupt Drug Networks and Illegal Weapons

Senior officials said the operation was part of a continuing strategy to identify and dismantle criminal networks, including small-, medium-, and large-scale drug trafficking rings, as well as illegal firearm holders. Police sources described the action as “pre-emptive” in several cases, based on ongoing surveillance and community intelligence.

“This is not a one-off sweep,” a senior police spokesperson said. “We’re applying continuous pressure on individuals who pose a threat to public safety—whether it’s organized crime, narcotics, or illegal arms possession.”

Public Encouraged to Support Ongoing Efforts

The Police Department reiterated its call for community cooperation and urged the public to report any suspicious activities. Authorities confirmed that more island-wide operations of this scale are scheduled in the coming weeks.

As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the social and health impacts of drug abuse and illicit crime, law enforcement officials say decisive and visible action remains crucial to restoring public trust and stability.