September 13, Colombo (LNW): A van driver was wounded and taken into custody after police opened fire during an operation targeting a suspected drug-trafficking vehicle in the Asgiriya area of Gampaha on Saturday night (12).
According to police, the operation was initiated by Weliweriya Police following intelligence supplied by the Western Province Intelligence Division concerning an alleged narcotics distribution network operating in the Gampaha area.
Officers reportedly monitored the movements of a van believed to be linked to the network as it travelled towards Udugampola. The vehicle eventually came to a halt near Malwatta Junction along the Udugampola road, where police moved in to conduct an inspection.
Police said the situation escalated when officers stepped out of their jeep. The driver allegedly began manoeuvring the van repeatedly, striking and damaging several vehicles on the road.
He is further alleged to have driven the van into the police jeep in an attempt to break through the operation and escape, prompting officers to fire at the vehicle.
The driver was struck by gunfire and subsequently arrested. He was taken to Gampaha Hospital for treatment, where he remains under police guard.
A subsequent search of the van allegedly resulted in the discovery of approximately 15 grammes of heroin and a further nine grammes of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’.
Weliweriya Police have launched further investigations into the suspected drug network and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
