Close associate of alleged drug trafficker ’’Harak Kata’’ arrested

Police have arrested a close associate of alleged overseas based drug trafficker Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias "Harak Kata."

Police Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nihal Thalduwa stated that the suspect, identified as Lasantha Wickramasekara, was arrested by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division. 

The suspects had earlier been arrested by police in 2010 and 2018 over illegal firearms possession and had been charged in courts. 

SSP Thalduwa further said police believe the suspect had provided the vehicle for the assailants who shot and killed alleged underworld figure Amila Prasanna alias "Sunshine Sudda" in Kotawila, Matara earlier this month. 

Police have also taken into a custody a jeep which the suspect had purchased at a cost of Rs 120 million. 

Investigations are being conducted regarding the suspect under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Meanwhile, police produced him before the Matara Magistrate's Court and have obtained a six-day detention order to further question him regarding drug trafficking, the Police Spokesman added.