The police have seized a drug haul linked to notorious underworld figure Jayalath Silva, also known as Karandeniye Sudda. The detection followed an investigation by the Ahungalla Police, which resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including a former Army intelligence operative. The drug consignment is believed to have a street value of Rs. 50 million.

Investigations have revealed that drugs smuggled via sea routes were stored in a house in Ambalangoda before being distributed across the Southern Province through Karandeniye Sudda’s network.

Another police operation got underway after questioning a suspect at Maragasdeka, where officers, led by Ahungalla OIC Amith Jayamaha, found one kilo of crystal meth concealed in the suspect’s motorcycle and photos of parcels of heroin on the suspect’s mobile phone. Interrogation led police to the main drug storage location.

A subsequent raid on the Ambalangoda residence led to the arrest of a woman who was seen delivering a bag to a trishaw near the house. Police seized 6 kilos of crystal meth and 6 kilos of heroin along with 7 kilos of meth from the rider of the trishaw and 6 kilos of heroin hidden in the house.

The suspect, a former intelligence officer, is believed to have played a key role in Karandeniye Sudda’s drug and weapons distribution network. Officers also seized firearms from the woman, including 30 rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition and 30 rounds of 3.8mm ammunition.

by Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu