Police have identified 112 criminals wanted under Red Notices who are believed to be hiding in 13 countries, and urgent steps are being taken to bring them back to Sri Lanka, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler said.

He made these remarks while addressing a media briefing held today (October 29) to provide an update on the progress of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation.

Wootler said authorities expect to bring the wanted suspects back to Sri Lanka by 2027, after which strict legal action will be taken against them.

He also noted that these criminals generate illegal income through drug trafficking. Investigations into assets believed to have been acquired using proceeds from illegal activities are being conducted around the clock by two specialised police units.

Assets Targeted for State Seizure

According to the Police Media Spokesperson, the value of assets targeted for state seizure includes:

2024: Assets worth Rs. 1,490 million

2025: Assets worth Rs. 1,549 million

2026 (up to October 28): Assets worth Rs. 1,656 million

These assets include gold jewellery, land, vehicles and cash.

Major Drug Seizures

Police have seized substantial quantities of narcotics over the past two years and during 2026 to date.

The reported seizures include:

Heroin: 4,483 kilograms, valued at Rs. 107.942 billion

Ice (crystal methamphetamine): 7,129 kilograms, valued at Rs. 121.64 billion

Cannabis: 33,277 kilograms, valued at Rs. 5.293 billion

Cocaine: 333 kilograms, valued at Rs. 14.306 billion

Wootler further warned that, under the existing law, individuals found possessing, trafficking, trading or manufacturing more than five grams of ice, heroin or cocaine could face life imprisonment or the death penalty following proceedings before the High Court.

Progress of the “Ratama Ekata” Operation

Launched in October 2025, the “Ratama Ekata” national operation has completed its first year, during which police seized the following quantities of narcotics:

Heroin: 2,835 kilograms and 682 grams

Ice: 3,550 kilograms and 750 grams

Cocaine: 297 kilograms and 135 grams

Cannabis: 11,167 kilograms and 569 grams

During the past year, police also arrested 5,743 individuals directly linked to various criminal activities.

Investigations into suspected illegal assets are currently underway against 450 of those suspects, Wootler added.