Cops combating organised crime under threat from Lankan criminals in Dubai

By Hemantha Randunu

Dubai-based underworld figures are reportedly issuing threats to law enforcement officers, particularly those engaged in combating organised crime, according to police sources.These criminals aim to disrupt operations against the underworld, with former IP Balendrasingha, recently assassinated, being among the officers consistently targeted with death threats.

Sources said Balendrasingha’s assassination was intended to serve as a warning to other members of the police force.The police estimate around 50 underworld leaders are currently based in Dubai.

The southern underworld has gained significant strength, a senior police officer said, emphasiing the urgent need for measures to curb their activities.

There were 17 major gangs in the Western and Southern provinces and their leaders were operating from overseas, Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), DIG Waruna Jayasundara said recently.