Rs. 1 Million Reward for Information on a T-56 Rifle
(Lanka-e-News -22.Feb.2025, 11.10 PM) The Sri Lankan government has revealed shocking details about the country’s underworld, identifying 58 organized crime gangs operating across the nation, with a total of 1,400 members. These gangs function in a three-layer structure, with top leaders (or "godfathers") running operations from overseas. The intelligence services have already identified these masterminds, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya.
At a joint media briefing today, the IGP, Defense Secretary, and Public Security Secretary responded to opposition claims that recent assassinations—one in Middeniya and another inside a courtroom—had severely compromised national security. The officials not only rejected these accusations but also outlined extensive measures being taken to crack down on criminal networks.
93 shootings and knife attacks recorded in 2024.
22 major violent incidents reported so far in 2025:
17 shootings
5 knife attacks
17 of these cases have already been solved.
Authorities also confirmed that security personnel have been involved in some criminal activities, and arrests have already been made:
1 serving military officer
7 former military personnel
2 police officers
1 air force member
The government claims to have made significant progress in curbing illegal arms possession. Security forces have seized:
13 T-56 rifles
21 pistols
15 revolvers
1 AK-47 rifle
805 locally made firearms
75 12-bore shotguns
10 grenades
7 repeaters
4 other types of weapons
Additionally, drug busts have hit record highs under this administration. The IGP assured the public that there was no political interference in drug-related law enforcement operations.
Authorities have confiscated:
309 kg of heroin
97 kg of cannabis
123 kg of Kerala cannabis
312 cannabis plants
383 kg of crystal meth ("ice")
6,430 liters of illicit liquor
Meanwhile, 19 foreign-based crime lords have been brought back to Sri Lanka, with Interpol notices issued for others:
199 Red Notices
90 Blue Notices
4 Yellow Notices
Investigations have revealed that criminal activities are still being orchestrated from inside prisons. Recent raids have resulted in the seizure of:
239 mobile phones
145 SIM cards
46 chargers
70 batteries
20 data cables
3 hands-free devices
1,430 mg of crystal meth ("ice")
5 grams of heroin
1,057 beedis (hand-rolled cigarettes)
243 cigarettes
400 intoxicating pills
The police chief identified the Western and Southern Provinces as the most crime-ridden areas and called for greater public cooperation in tackling crime.
To encourage public support, the government has set up a confidential tip-off hotline: 1997. Notably, a Rs. 1 million reward has been announced for anyone providing verified information about a T-56 rifle.
The IGP emphasized that public cooperation is critical in eradicating crime. The government is determined to tighten its grip on organized crime, but citizens must also play their part. With anonymous tip-offs, strict law enforcement, and continued crackdowns, Sri Lanka aims to reclaim its streets from the grip of the underworld.
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by (2025-02-22 18:14:59)
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