Over 1,500 arrested during 24-hour police operation

A total of 1,534 persons have been arrested during a 24-hour operation ending at 12.30 a.m. today (Dec 24), the Ministry of Public Security said.

Meanwhile, investigations are underway into assets and belongings of 23 among them while 99 individuals have been referred for rehabilitation, according to the ministry.

In the meantime, the police have decided to halt the operation ‘Yukthiya’, launched in a bid to crack down on narcotics distribution and organized crimes in the country briefly in view of the upcoming festive season.

Accordingly, the island-wide special operation would be temporarily halted on December 24, 25 and 26.

Speaking on the matter, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa explained that the decision was taken as the police officers have to be deployed to other specific duties on Christmas Day (Dec.25) and Poya Day (Dec.26).