An organised crime figure allegedly linked to major narcotics traffickers and multiple shootings was brought back to Sri Lanka on May 10, following a joint operation involving Sri Lankan and Azerbaijani intelligence authorities, police said.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said the suspect was arrested in Azerbaijan during a joint operation conducted by the State Intelligence Service and Azerbaijan’s State Security Service of Azerbaijan.
The 48-year-old suspect from Ja-Ela was later handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division for further investigations after being escorted to Sri Lanka by CID officers.
Police said the suspect maintained links with organised crime and drug trafficking figures including Ganemulla Sanjeewa, Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salinda.
Investigators allege that the suspect coordinated the transport of 100 kilograms of heroin and 100 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) seized by Excise officers on Dec.06, 2020, while operating from Dubai.
Police further alleged that the suspect orchestrated the shooting death of a man in the Grandpass area on Dec. (31), 2023, over a drug trafficking dispute.
He was also linked to the July 25, 2024 shooting deaths of a woman allegedly involved in drug trafficking and a three-wheeler driver in the Grandpass police division.
In addition, police said the suspect had directed followers to carry out a shooting attack on the house of another organised crime figure in Kandana on Dec. 13, 2024.
The suspect has been detained for 72 hours for questioning while investigations continue, police said. (Newswire)