A 45-year-old man arrested with a stock of ICE narcotics in Elakanda earlier this week has been identified as a key suspect wanted in connection with several robberies and shootings reported across the country, Police said.
The suspect, a resident of North Mulleriyawa, was apprehended on Monday (22) during a special operation carried out by officers of the Kelaniya Division Criminal Investigation Department in the Elakanda area under the Wattala Police Division. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 10.2 grams of ICE narcotics, allegedly intended for sale.
He was produced before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (23) and was placed in Police custody for seven days under a detention order.
Subsequent interrogations revealed that the suspect is linked to a series of serious crimes, including armed robberies and shootings in several areas. Among the incidents attributed to him are:
- Snatching a gold chain from a woman in Kiribathgoda on 30th June 2025.
- Shooting that killed one person and injured two others in Kandana on 3rd July 2025.
- Gun attack on a house in Kandana on 7th August 2025.
- Gun attack on a house in Negombo on 6th September 2025.
Investigations have further uncovered that the suspect had been acting on the directives of three organized criminals and drug traffickers currently evading arrest and residing overseas.
A motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspect in the crimes has been seized and handed over to the Wattala Police Station.
