Drug Kingpin Shiran Basick Detained for 90 Days

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have obtained approval to detain and question alleged large-scale drug trafficker Shiran Basick for a period of 90 days as investigations into his activities continue.

According to Police, Basick has told investigators during questioning that he owns five hotels located along Colombo's Marine Drive.

Prior to the latest detention order, officers attached to the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau had carried out investigations into the suspect under a 72-hour detention order.

Shiran Basick, who had fled Sri Lanka and was reportedly hiding in Dubai, was arrested by authorities in the United Arab Emirates before being deported to Sri Lanka.

He was subsequently brought back to the island last Friday (14) night.

The suspect is a 48-year-old resident of Dehiwala.

Police have also revealed that investigations have uncovered information indicating that Basick received training to operate helicopters while in Dubai.

Investigators are further examining whether he had any involvement in a number of recent clashes and incidents reported within prisons in Sri Lanka.

Police said they have also received information linking Basick to the violent incident that occurred at the Welikada Prison in 2012 and are currently probing the extent of his alleged involvement.