Sons of Deceased Suspect Arrested Over Large Drug Bust In Tangalle

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the massive drug trafficking operation uncovered in Tangalle, in what authorities describe as the largest land-based narcotics seizure in Sri Lankan history.

The latest arrests involve two sons of a man who died after being hospitalized in Seenimodara, Tangalle.

Both suspects are currently receiving treatment at Tangalle Hospital under special police protection.

The ongoing investigation began after police, acting on a tip-off from a relative, discovered two bodies in a house in Seenimodara.

The deceased were later identified as residents of Ambalantota. Police suspect the victims were murdered elsewhere and their bodies transported to the house.

Subsequent searches led officers to a lorry parked about 1.5 kilometers from the house, where they found a cache of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) concealed among watermelons.

In total, police have seized over 705 kilograms of narcotics—284 kilograms of heroin and 420 kilograms of ice—with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 10 billion.

In addition to the drugs, authorities recovered five modern revolvers and a T-56 assault rifle hidden in the lorry. Another suspect was arrested at the scene.

Further investigations revealed a second lorry, parked near the Seenimodara house, containing additional quantities of heroin and ice.

Both lorries and their owners have been taken into custody and transferred to police stations in Meetiyagoda and Elpitiya for further questioning, before being handed over to the Beliatta Police for continued investigation.

Multiple police teams, including the Police Narcotics Bureau, are now involved in the probe, which officials say marks the largest drug haul ever made on Sri Lankan soil.

Post-mortem examinations are scheduled for the deceased, as police continue to investigate the circumstances of their deaths, which are suspected to be homicides linked to the drug operation.