Sri Lankan police have arrested six suspects in connection with a nighttime housebreaking in Galnewa that led to the theft of a Toyota Prado jeep valued at more than Rs. 57 million, along with cash, gold jewellery and other property, police said.
The burglary occurred on Dec. 7 in the Bulnewa area within the Galnewa police division. Among the stolen items was a Toyota Prado jeep valued at Rs. 57,268,000, making it one of the most high-value vehicle thefts reported in the area in recent months.
Following a complaint, Galnewa police launched an investigation and arrested the suspects on Dec. 14 during raids carried out in Kurunegala, Mawathagama and Wilgamuwa.
Police said officers recovered 10.3 grams of heroin and 10.25 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” along with four pairs of gloves, four sharp knives and several vehicles allegedly used in the crime, including a motorcycle, a van and a lorry.
The six suspects, aged between 34 and 48, are residents of Kurunegala, Nugagolla, Mawathagama, Melsiripura and Kandy, police said.
The stolen Prado jeep was later found abandoned in the Meegalewa area. Investigators also recovered Rs. 5,939,000 in cash believed to be part of the stolen money, along with several assets allegedly purchased using the proceeds of the crime.
The suspects were produced before the Kekirawa Magistrate’s Court on Dec. 15 and were remanded until Dec. 18 for further investigations.
Galnewa police are continuing investigations into the incident. (Newswire)