Podi Lassie arrested without Interpol Red Notice, police reveal more details

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler announced that 14 suspects have been returned to Sri Lanka without the need for Interpol Red Notices. This statement was made regarding the return of Arumahandi Janith Madhusankha de Silva, known as “Podi Lassie,” a suspected drug trafficker and organized criminal, who arrived on the island today (27). The spokesperson mentioned that since 2024, they have successfully brought back 29 suspects who had been subject to Interpol Red Notices. “Using the current state mechanisms, we have brought back 29 suspects with Red Notices issued in 2024, 2025, and 2026,” he explained. He also highlighted that the 14 individuals returned today, including Podi Lassie, were sent back to Sri Lanka without any Red Notices due to the direct intervention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). This was made possible through cooperation with the respective countries regarding immigration and deportation procedures, based on their trust in the IGP's mediation. Additionally, the spokesperson noted that there are 89 Red Notices related to organized criminals, and efforts are being made to repatriate those suspects by 2026.