Five Army deserters among 188 nabbed in Mt. Lavinia round up
 

BY SARATH Malalasekera

FIVE Army deserters and 17 Island Re-convicted Criminals were among the 188 arrested during a special anti-crime operation in Mount Lavinia.

During this operation, Police led by HQI Mount Lavinia also arrested several hardcore criminals and Army deserters committing crimes posing as police officers.

The five Army deserters are detained until investigations are completed.

Mount Lavinia Senior SP Willie Abeynayake who conducted the massive operation assisted by ASP Panamaldeniya on the direction of Senior DIG Sirisena Herath said the operation was conducted to combat grave crimes in the Mount Lavinia Police Division.

A police team led by Sub Inspector Mahesh with 32 other police personnel carried out the special operation.

Officers attached to the Mount Lavinia Crimes branch, Intelligence Unit, Divisional Photographer of Mount Lavinia and Finger Print expert assisted during the operation, Senior SP Abeynayake said.

Five police teams in mufti also assisted in the operation. They were advised to perform patrols during the night in threewheelers into urban areas to identify areas thickly populated to apprehend strangers.

The Mount Lavinia Senior SP emphasised that if proper operations are conducted during the night with sufficient strength and logistical support, the crime trend could be combated without any hindrance.

This is a model operation which can be taken as an example for the police divisions to combat crimes in their areas, the SSP said.

Senior SP Abeynayake appreciated the concept of Senior DIG Sirisena Herath who has taken an interest to wipe out crime.