Police operation during festive season a success

By Jayampathy Jayasinghe

The operation launched by the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) during the festive season has reported success with the arrest of 73 criminals against whom warrants have been issued by Courts in connection with offences ranging from drug peddling, robbery to rape, police sources told the Sunday Observer.

Meanwhile, 32 pickpockets and other undesirable characters who prey on shoppers have also been arrested.

The latest case solved by the CCD was that of a passenger from an outstation area who lost his wallet containing over Rs. 300,000 at the Pettah bus-stand. The victim who called over at the CCD identified the picture of the woman suspect at the rogues gallery.

The suspect will be arrested, a senior police officer said.

Over 260 people were also arrested on suspicion while they were mingling with shoppers in Colombo during the festive season. Meanwhile, 37 persons identified as reputed thieves were also arrested loitering in the city, while 48 persons linked to illicit liquor were also arrested. A senior police officer said policemen in civvies have been deployed at Borella, Maradana, Pettah and Bambalapitiya where people gather.

Last week police arrested 32 pickpockets from Maradana. The operation which commenced mid-December is expected to continue until mid-January under the supervision of ASP Jagath Weerakoon.

Pickpockets who snatched mobile phones from passengers in buses were also arrested.