August 03, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have arrested two key individuals believed to be closely linked to notorious organised crime networks operating within and outside Sri Lanka.
In a significant operation at Bandaranaike International Airport, Dissanayakage Devanmini Dissanayake, known by the alias ‘Gampaha Deva’, was taken into custody by airport security whilst attempting to board a flight to Bangkok. The suspect is alleged to be a close associate of the infamous underworld figure ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’.
In a separate incident, a man reportedly tied to Prasad Chathuranga Kodagoda—commonly referred to as ‘Dubai Sudda’—was apprehended by the Crime Investigation Unit of the Panadura Division. Acting on intelligence gathered during a probe into the theft of two motorcycles, officers were able to track down the suspect, leading to a wider criminal investigation.
Upon his arrest, law enforcement officials discovered a quantity of 4,665 milligrammes of crystal methamphetamine (commonly referred to as ‘ICE’) in his possession. The suspect is believed to be part of a broader drug distribution network that extends beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Police allege that the trafficking operation uses mobile payment systems such as eZ Cash and encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp to facilitate drug transactions and coordinate logistics.
