The Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) has obtained approval to detain alleged large‑scale drug trafficker Shiran Basik for 90 days as investigations into his activities continue.
Basik, a 48‑year‑old resident of Dehiwala, was arrested in Dubai last March and deported to Sri Lanka on August 14.
He was taken into custody at Katunayake Airport by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Airport Unit before being handed over to the CCID for further questioning.
According to media reports, during interrogation, Basik claimed that while at a luxury shopping complex in Dubai, police there checked him during a period when the emirate was under continuous attacks from Iran.
He said Dubai police examined his mobile phone and discovered images related to Iranian strikes, leading to his arrest. He further alleged that until his deportation, Dubai police questioned him daily about possible connections with Iran.
Authorities in Dubai later instructed him to purchase his own air ticket to Sri Lanka, after which he was deported.
Police noted that an earlier Interpol Red Notice against Basik in connection with drug charges had been withdrawn, but he was arrested again as Sri Lankan authorities prepared to secure a fresh notice.
Investigators revealed that Basik had legally travelled to Dubai in June 2018, where he lived a highly luxurious lifestyle and operated two large‑scale businesses.
He has also told police that he owns five hotels along Colombo’s Marine Drive and had received training to operate helicopters while overseas.
Sri Lankan investigators are probing whether Basik had links to several recent clashes inside prisons, including possible involvement in the 2012 Welikada Prison riot.
Prior to the latest detention order, Basik had been held under a 72‑hour detention order by the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau. (Newswire)