By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya stated today that 58 groups involved in organized crimes and 1,400 of their members have been recognized throughout the country.
He mentioned that, so far this year, 22 people have lost their lives, with 17 shot and five brutally attacked to death.
The Acting IGP further disclosed that certain police officers and military personnel are associated with some of these cases, with 11 individuals apprehended so far.
The detained suspects consist of two police officers, one military personnel, one air force member, and seven army defectors.
Additionally, he revealed that through investigations conducted since the current administration took charge, police have confiscated a range of weapons, including 13 T56 rifles, 15 handguns, 21 pistols, 75 12-bore guns, 7 repeaters, 805 shotguns, and 4 other firearms.
To strengthen crime prevention, the Acting IGP introduced a reward scheme, offering Rs. 1 million for tips leading to the retrieval of T56 weapons.
A special hotline, 1997, has also been launched for the public to report illegal arms and unlawful activities.
