Sri Lankan authorities are planning to uncover a wide-ranging network involving politicians, police officers, immigration officials, and contract killers linked to underworld figures recently deported from Indonesia.
The suspects, including alleged underworld leader “Kehelbaddara Padme,” were arrested in Indonesia and returned to Sri Lanka under a covert operation. Devices recovered during the arrests, including mobile phones and laptops, are expected to aid investigations.
According to State Dinamina newspaper, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is preparing further operations to identify individuals believed to have supported drug trafficking and organized crime. Some suspects had reportedly used forged passports obtained with assistance from corrupt officials.
The group is accused of coordinating multiple shootings and murders from abroad. Police believe they now have access to information on local collaborators and those who supplied intelligence for these crimes.
The suspects were flown back to Sri Lanka under high security. A court has issued a 72-hour detention order, and investigators plan to seek an extension under the Prevention of Terrorism Act to continue questioning. (Newswire)
