November 13, Colombo (LNW): The Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court has authorised the continued detention of several individuals arrested in relation to a major narcotics operation uncovered in Kirinda, allowing police to question the suspects for a further seven days.
The ruling came after the accused were presented before the court yesterday afternoon, law enforcement sources confirmed. The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) will now intensify its probe into the origins and wider network connected to the case.
According to investigators, officers from the Western Province North Crimes Division apprehended eight individuals during a meticulously planned raid on Andagalawella Beach in Kirinda. The operation led to the discovery of approximately 345 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as “Ice”, being transported by land.
Early findings suggest that the illicit consignment is tied to a prominent underworld operator identified as ‘Ran Malli’ from Dickwella, who is believed to be orchestrating his criminal activities from Dubai.
Police officials noted that further arrests are likely as investigators continue to untangle the extensive web of local and international links behind one of the largest drug seizures recorded in the region this year.
