By Roy Denish.
Two suspects were arrested with 500g of cocaine in Seeduwa as investigators probe alleged links to an Italy-based trafficking network.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The Terrorism Investigation Division has arrested two suspects in possession of 500 grams of cocaine following a suspicious exchange in the car park of a prominent hotel in Seeduwa.
Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers conducted a special raid at the location and apprehended two individuals identified as Jayakody Arachchige Mahesh Gayan, 45, and Pathiranage Naveen Hirusha Fernando, 25, both residents of Seeduwa and Negombo.
Authorities estimate the market value of the seized cocaine at more than Rs. 20 million.
Police obtained a seven-day detention order under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance to question the suspects.
During initial interrogations, investigators reportedly uncovered links between the operation and an Italy-based alleged drug kingpin known as “Dinesh”.
Authorities believe the network had been smuggling cocaine into Sri Lanka through the airport over several years to supply high-end local businesses, allegedly using hotel and corporate car parks to conduct handovers.
Financial inquiries also revealed substantial sums moving through the suspects’ accounts.
More than Rs. 20 million had reportedly been deposited into one suspect’s bank account.
Police said the suspects disclosed during questioning that, acting on instructions from Dinesh in Italy, funds were routed through more than 30 different bank accounts before being transferred abroad.
The Terrorism Investigation Division is currently expanding its probe into at least 25 bank accounts suspected of facilitating the alleged transactions.
