71 more Red Notice fugitives overseas – Police Media Spokesman

2026-01-31 - 02:38

Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Attorney-at-Law F. U. Wootler, says that courts have obtained Interpol Red Notices against 95 open-warrant suspects who fled overseas after evading court proceedings in connection with crimes committed in Sri Lanka, including murder, extortion, drug trafficking, robberies and grievous harm. He said that of the 95 open-warrant suspects against whom Red Notices were issued, 10 were arrested in 2024 and 11 in 2025 by Interpol and the police of the relevant countries, and were brought back to Sri Lanka. In addition, he stated that three more suspects have been brought back to the country during the past few days this year, and that legal proceedings are currently under way against them. The Police Media Spokesman further said that those against whom Red Notices have been issued include organised criminals who committed crimes mainly in the Western and Southern Provinces, fled overseas, and in recent times continued to operate murders, extortion and drug trafficking through their associates. He added that steps are currently being taken through Interpol to arrest the remaining Red Notice suspects who are yet to be taken into custody.