Sri Lanka’s Biggest Drug Haul Linked to Dubai-Based Kingpin 'Unakuruwe Shantha'

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A massive drug trafficking operation linked to notorious underworld figure Unakuruwe Shantha, believed to be operating from Dubai, has been exposed following a series of dramatic developments in Tangalle, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan police have officially confirmed that the combined weight of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE) seized from Seenimodara and Godawella amounts to 705 kilograms and 170 grams, making it the largest land-based drug bust in the country’s history.

Investigators estimate the street value of the narcotics to exceed Rs. 10 billion.

The operation was uncovered after two bodies were found inside a house in Seenimodara. A third individual, reportedly present at the scene, died later after being hospitalized.

The discovery triggered a deeper investigation, leading to the seizure of drugs hidden in two lorries parked near the house and a third lorry located approximately 1.5 kilometers away in Godawella. The narcotics had been meticulously concealed within these vehicles.

Suspected Origins and Network:

Police suspect the drugs were trafficked by sea from Iran or Afghanistan, offloaded along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, and distributed inland.

The operation is believed to be coordinated by Unakuruwe Shantha, whose name has surfaced in multiple organized crime investigations.

Identities of the Deceased:

One of the deceased has been identified as Thusitha Kumara, a 50-year-old resident of Witharandeniya.

He had rented the Seenimodara property about seven months ago and constructed a perimeter wall around it. Police suspect he may have served as the local coordinator of the trafficking network.

The other two victims were identified as Dinuka Lakshan and Kavindu Kalhara, both residents of Ambalantota.

Cause of Death and Investigation:

Post-mortem examinations were underway as of this (23) afternoon. Police suspect homicide, though the exact causes and circumstances remain under investigation.

A coastal site near Seenimodara was also inspected based on intelligence suggesting it had been used for offloading narcotics.

Evidence of alcohol consumption was found at the location.

Arrests and Developments:

Police arrested two sons of Thusitha Kumara this morning. One of them had informed authorities about his father’s hospitalization and the deaths inside the house.

Investigations are also underway into a reported altercation involving the sons and others near the residence. Both were hospitalized due to injuries and taken into custody while receiving treatment.

Another suspect found near the location of the drug-laden lorry was also arrested.

Details of the Drug Haul:

Police completed weighing the narcotics early this (23) morning:

Heroin: 284 kilograms and 410 grams
Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE): 420 kilograms and 760 grams

In addition to the drugs, police recovered five modern revolvers and a T-56 assault rifle.

The three lorries used in the operation are now in police custody. Their owners were brought to police stations in Meetiyagoda, Mount Lavinia, and Elpitiya.

The suspects from Meetiyagoda and Elpitiya were transferred to Beliatta Police for further investigation, while the Mount Lavinia suspect was remanded for seven days following a court appearance.