Dubai, once known as a refuge for international criminals, is now becoming a high-risk location for those seeking to evade justice. Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has expressed its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Interpol Abu Dhabi for their unwavering support in identifying, apprehending, and deporting high-profile criminals, including drug traffickers, who had sought refuge in Dubai.
This message of appreciation was conveyed during a meeting on August 29, 2024, between the Head of CID International Cooperation, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Rohan Premaratne, and the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, at the UAE Embassy in Colombo.
Viyani Gunathilaka, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, who was also present, told Mawrata, “We have received tremendous support from the UAE Embassy and Ambassador Al Ameri. Their assistance has enabled us to deport several criminals back to Sri Lanka and identify others still hiding in Dubai. We are committed to ensuring the safety of Sri Lankans by tackling these criminal activities.”
Gunathilaka further emphasized that the UAE Ambassador had pledged continued cooperation, ensuring that, with Interpol’s involvement, both domestic and international legal processes would be strictly followed.
DIG Premaratne also commented to Mawrata, stating, “Thanks to the support of Interpol Abu Dhabi and the UAE Embassy, we have successfully identified, arrested, and deported numerous high-profile criminals and drug traffickers this year. The UAE authorities have assured us of their ongoing commitment to this effort.
