Properties Linked to Alleged Drug Kingpin's Associate Frozen

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Illegal Assets Investigation Division has suspended the use of two properties belonging to Nalin Arjuna, a close associate of alleged major drug trafficker Shiran Basick, who is currently being held in detention.

The properties placed under suspension include a 19.90-perch land with a two-storey house located in Mahara, Kadawatha, as well as an 18-perch land with a two-storey house situated in Sinharamulla, Kelaniya.

Authorities estimate the combined value of the two properties at approximately Rs. 100 million.

Investigators revealed that Nalin Arjuna was arrested on May 14, 2020, along with six other suspects in connection with the possession and transportation of 25 grams and 70 milligrams of heroin in a jeep.

Following their production before court, an investigation was launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to determine whether assets linked to the suspects had been acquired through proceeds of criminal activity.

Police further stated that Nalin Arjuna had previously been arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division on January 30, 2019, for allegedly aiding and abetting heroin trafficking activities.