• About 20,000 police officers were deployed in the operations 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The police said 3,520 persons were arrested in connection with various crimes such as possession of narcotics, drunk driving and for being in the wanted list of criminals during a special three-hour operation countrywide, a spokesman said yesterday. 

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that about 20,000 police officers were deployed in the operations which were conducted between 11 p m on Saturday to 2 a.m. early yesterday. 
He said 1,185 persons who were on arrest warrants were taken into custody and another 119 over various offences. 
“Around 500 persons were also arrested on suspicion of various offences and 138 persons arrested in connection with the offences related to dangerous drugs, especially heroin. Besides, 177 were arrested for possession of cannabis while 32 suspects arrested with synthetic drugs. Also, we arrested 385 suspects in connection with illicit liquor,” he said. 
In addition, six persons were arrested for the possession of illegal firearms. 
The spokesman said that the operation was conducted to net the criminal offenders facing arrest warrants.  “However, it was extended to the concept of road safety as well,” he said.  Accordingly, the police arrested 830 suspects for drunk driving. 

The highest number of drunken driving cases have been reported from Western Province, he said. 
He said 109 persons were detected in respect of the offences of driving without a driving licence. 
“In addition, 64 persons were detected in respect of dangerous and reckless driving,” he said. 

DIG Rohana said that the police also detected 3,554 cases in connection with various offences of the Motor Traffic Act.  “Especially during the period of COVID-19, the police are committed to enforce quarantine rules and regulations as we are dealing with various activities in respect of COVID-19 pandemic. However, we have not given up our conventional traditional duties such as prevention of crimes, detecting drug offenders and those violating traffic rules to ensure road safety,” he said. 

• Highest number of drunken driving cases have been reported from Western Province