At a press conference held today at the Government Information Department, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya outlined several critical developments in the fight against organized crime. Here are five key facts he revealed:
1. Widespread Organized Crime
The Acting IGP confirmed that police have identified 58 organized criminal gangs across the country, along with approximately 1,400 individuals linked to these networks.
2. Disturbing Incidents of Violence
He reported that this year alone, there have been 17 shooting incidents and 5 cases where individuals were hacked to death, reflecting a concerning trend in violent crimes.
3. Significant Investigative Progress:
Out of the reported incidents, investigations into 17 cases have already been completed, demonstrating the force’s commitment to quickly resolving these cases.
4. Internal Involvement in Criminal Activities
The report also disclosed that certain members of both the police force and the Tri-Forces have been implicated in these incidents. As a result, 11 personnel have been arrested for their direct or indirect involvement.
5. Major Firearms Seizure and Public Outreach
Since the current government assumed power, police have seized a substantial cache of weapons, including 13 T-56 assault rifles, 15 revolvers, 21 pistols, 75 12-bore firearms, 7 repeaters, 805 home-made gunpowder rifles, and 4 other firearms. To boost efforts against illegal arms, a dedicated hotline (1-9-9-7) has been established, and a reward of Rs. 1 million is being offered for any information leading to the recovery of T-56 firearms.