Padmasiri Perera, alias “Kehelbaddara Padme,” a suspected major drug trafficker who was arrested in Indonesia and brought back to Sri Lanka, has been remanded until September 3 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The suspect, who had been in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka Bodaragama under heavy security.

During the proceedings, CID officers informed the court that eight mobile phones had been recovered from the suspect and that data on the devices had been deleted. Investigators said they had subsequently recovered the deleted data and uncovered information relating to 8,841 telephone calls.

The CID further told the court that 326,671 photographs, 1,101 audio recordings and 5,039 video files had been recovered from the devices.

According to investigators, analysis of the mobile phone data had revealed information concerning 20 suspected major drug traffickers. Telephone numbers belonging to 13 prison officers were also found on the devices.

Investigators also said they had identified information relating to seven actresses and models, while photographs and telephone conversations involving nine politicians had been recovered. Further investigations into these individuals are currently underway, the CID informed the court.

The authorities are also investigating 17 bank accounts allegedly linked to the suspect. Investigators told the court that the suspect had travelled to approximately 15 locations across 13 countries.

The CID is also conducting investigations into the suspect in connection with the recent discovery of firearms.

Appearing for the suspect, attorney-at-law Chaminda Athukorala requested that his client be detained at a prison other than Welisara, claiming that individuals considered to be his rivals are currently being held at the Welisara Prison.

After considering the submissions, the Chief Magistrate ordered that Padmasiri Perera be remanded until September 3.

Meanwhile, Nilanga Sampath Silva, alias “Panadura Nilanga,” who was also arrested in Indonesia, brought to Sri Lanka and detained by the CID for further investigations, was produced before court.

The court also ordered that Nilanga Sampath Silva be remanded until September.