October 12, Colombo (LNW): Former Colombo Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama, a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has been ordered to remain in custody until 26 October as investigations continue into alleged links to drug trafficking.
Kahandagama was produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court after the period during which police were authorised to detain and question him came to an end. The Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is conducting the investigation.
He and another suspect were taken into custody on 5 October over suspected involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs. Police said the arrests were made near a restaurant in the Mirihana area, where officers also recovered a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “Ice”.
Investigators are examining whether the alleged activities extended over a period of time. Preliminary inquiries have reportedly raised suspicions that both individuals may have been involved in drug trafficking, although the allegations remain subject to further investigation.
The court’s decision means Kahandagama will remain in remand custody while police continue gathering evidence and pursuing inquiries into the case.
