A suspect involved in drug peddling identified as Sameera Sampath alias “Abba” has been shot dead by the Police Special Task Force (STF) during a shoot-out at Egoda Uyana in Modara, Moratuwa last night.
The 27-year-old deceased has been identified as a close associate of drug dealer Panadura Salindu who is currently residing in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
The Police said the STF had conducted a special operation to inspect a place where a group of suspicious individuals had convened.
One suspect had opened fire at an STF officer with a pistol prompting the officer to retaliate and shoot back at the suspect.
The injured suspect had died upon admission to the Panadura Hospital, while the STF officer who had been shot on his bulletproof vest is also receiving treatment at the hospital for his injuries.
The deceased is a suspect who had been charged with several murders, sword attacks, and for his involvement in a drug operation conducted with the assistance of someone from overseas.
Following the shoot-out, the Police have arrested a 31-year-old suspect with a live hand grenade, while he has been identified as a man who was arrested earlier for transporting drugs on the highway.
The Police have also arrested another 6 suspects and have produced all suspects to the Egoda Uyana Police station for further investigations. (NewsWire)