Former navy soldier, an underworld associate, arrested with 10 million worth of drugs

A former navy sailor, who acted as a key operator connected to the drug network of an organized criminal operating abroad, has been arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF) with drugs worth nearly one crore rupees and a firearm. The suspect was apprehended during a special operation conducted in the Wellampitiya, Nagahamulla area.

During a raid conducted based on information received by officers of the Special Operations II Unit of the Special Task Force, 716 grams of heroin and 255 grams of 'ice' drug were seized from the suspect. In addition, a Russian-made Micro-type pistol firearm, a magazine, and the motorcycle he was traveling on were also taken into police custody.

The 43-year-old individual arrested had previously served in the Sri Lanka Navy and then deserted, but had legally left the service under a general amnesty declared in 2025. During extensive questioning by the police, it was revealed that he had been operating as the head of the local drug network for the organized criminal known as "Dubai Priyankara," who is currently absconding in Dubai.

For further investigations into this incident, the suspect and all seized items have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau.