Steps Underway to Bring Back 112 Suspects Subject to Interpol Red Notices
30-Oct-2026.
Authorities have identified 112 suspects residing in 13 countries who fled abroad to evade legal action for crimes allegedly committed in Sri Lanka and against whom Interpol Red Notices have been issued. Measures are being taken to arrest them and bring them back to the country, said Assistant Superintendent of Police and Police Media Spokesperson F. U. Woodler.
He made these remarks at a media briefing held on 29 October 2026 at the main office of the national programme titled “The Entire Country as One”.
He further stated that, under the direct supervision of the President, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Public Security, and the Inspector General of Police, authorities had succeeded in bringing back 68 suspects against whom Red Notices had been issued over the past three years.
In addition, 112 suspects wanted under Interpol Red Notices have now been identified as hiding in 13 countries. A programme to arrest and bring them back to Sri Lanka by 2027 is being intensified.
Meanwhile, a key female suspect in the murder of three people in Dubai was brought back to Sri Lanka two days ago. She is currently being questioned under a detention order issued by the Criminal Investigation Department.
Investigations have also commenced into assets illegally acquired through criminal activities. Measures have been taken to vest assets in the State, including gold, land, vehicles and money, valued at Rs. 1,490 million in 2024, Rs. 1,549 million in 2025 and Rs. 1,656 million during the period elapsed in 2026.
Over the past three years, authorities have seized 2,835 kilogrammes of heroin, 3,550 kilogrammes of ice, 11,167 kilogrammes of cannabis and 297 kilogrammes of cocaine.
The national programme launched in October last year has resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotics and the arrest of 5,743 individuals directly connected with criminal activities. Investigations into the accumulation of illicit assets are currently being conducted against 450 of those arrested, he said.
