Alleged drug trafficker Shiran Basik and two other underworld figures who were arrested in Dubai have been brought back to Sri Lanka
The three suspects arrived in Sri Lanka a short while ago after being taken into custody by authorities in Dubai, according to police.
Basik had reportedly been arrested in Dubai earlier this year amid investigations into alleged large-scale drug trafficking activities. Sri Lankan authorities had initially been awaiting official confirmation of his arrest from UAE authorities.
The arrests were part of a wider crackdown on Sri Lankan organised-crime figures operating from the United Arab Emirates. Reports in May identified another alleged underworld figure, Alto Dharmé, as having been arrested in Dubai alongside Basik.
The return of the three suspects is expected to pave the way for further investigations and legal proceedings in Sri Lanka. Authorities are expected to provide more details regarding their identities, the circumstances of their transfer and the cases they are expected to face.
Police have previously described Basik as an alleged major drug trafficker. As the suspects have only been accused of offences, any allegations against them remain subject to investigation and due process.
