Two close associates of Makandure Madush arrested as STF, police continue search operations

Two close associates of underworld drug kingpin Makandure Madush were taken into custody in Viharagala yesterday (Feb 10) as a result of several search operations that are being carried out in this regard.

The arrest was set in motion by CID officers and personnel attached to the Organised Crimes Prevention Division.

A T-56 gun and 20 rounds of ammunition were confiscated by the police at the time of the arrest.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the confiscated weapon belonged to an individual identified as 'Rotamba Amila' - a close ally of Madush, who is currently serving a prison sentence over a murder.

Police said that the suspects who were residents of Akuressa and Matara had maintained direct links with Madush who has been arrested in Dubai.

One suspect had played a key role in organising the funeral ceremony of Makandure Madhush's father, police said adding that the other suspect had several arrest warrants issued against him over murder charges.

Meanwhile, Wennappuwa police arrested a heroin peddler under this nickname 'Olu Mara' in Sirigamnpala yesterday for the possession of 2.3 grams of heroin. Eleven other suspects who had attempted to consume the heroin were also arrested.