A 24-year-old man has been remanded until July 24 after being arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged money laundering involving funds suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking, Police said.
The suspect, a resident of Walapane, was arrested on Sunday (12) by the Western Province South Crime Division and produced before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court on Monday (13), which ordered that he be remanded.
According to Police, the investigation stems from the arrest of a suspect in possession of crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”) on Dec. 27, 2025. Subsequent investigations uncovered a bank account in Hanwella allegedly used to transfer money generated through drug trafficking.
Investigators told the court that transactions amounting to Rs. 4,911,100 had passed through the bank account. Three suspects were subsequently arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Jan. 13, Apr. 5 and May 31, respectively, and were later released on bail.
Further investigations allegedly revealed that Rs. 24,921,537, also suspected to be proceeds from drug trafficking, had been transferred through the Easy Cash mobile money service to a telephone number registered to the latest suspect.
Police further alleged that the suspect maintained close links with overseas drug traffickers and organised crime figures.
Further investigations are being conducted by the Western Province South Crime Division. (Newswire)