July 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended four individuals suspected of being part of a coordinated vehicle theft ring operating across several areas in the Western Province, uncovering links to narcotics possession and organised crime.
The arrests were carried out in two separate operations, with the first taking place in Meegoda on July 07. Police detained two suspects in possession of 8.6 grammes of heroin and a vehicle that had been reported stolen just days earlier from the Kadawatha area.
Building on the initial raid, officers later took two more suspects into custody in Hanwella, where they recovered a further 10.45 grammes of heroin, a three-wheeler, and a knife believed to have been used during the commission of several thefts.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the group had targeted motorcycles and three-wheelers across multiple police divisions, including Avissawella, Wellampitiya, Nawagamuwa, and Kirulapone. So far, two motorcycles and one three-wheeler have been retrieved, the latter having been previously intercepted by Padukka Police.
Authorities believe the suspects were working under instructions from a criminal figure currently residing overseas, allegedly handing over stolen vehicles in return for payment.
The four individuals, aged between 28 and 39, were presented before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court on 8 July. Police say inquiries are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network’s operations.
