KD Killer Kings: WhatsApp Group Linked to Arms, Drugs & Terror

COLOMBO (News 1st); Police have initiated investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against suspects arrested in the Settikulam area of Vavuniya, who were found in possession of 86 hand grenades and 321 rounds of T-56 ammunition.

The inquiry was prompted by revelations that the suspects had received funds from external parties into their bank accounts on multiple occasions.

In a security operation conducted by police in Kiribathgoda on Monday (21), a former LTTE member was arrested while traveling in a three-wheeler. 

The suspect was found in possession of a T-56 assault rifle and 36 rounds of ammunition. 

He had reportedly arrived from Kompanna Veediya in a motor vehicle, which broke down due to a mechanical fault, prompting him to continue his journey in a three-wheeler.

The suspect has been identified as Kaliapperumal Ramesh, a resident of Thuttuvakai, Neriyakulam.

Based on information obtained during his interrogation, police arrested another individual—22-year-old Anton Suwendran Wickram, also known as "Deva"—from Neriyakulam. 

A search of his residence in Settikulam, Vavuniya, led to the discovery of 86 live hand grenades and 321 rounds of T-56 ammunition buried in the premises.

Additional items recovered included three 5.5mm live rounds, 5,600 tablets of the narcotic "Pregabalin," and 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine ("Ice").

Analysis of Deva’s mobile phone revealed that a woman had repeatedly deposited funds into his bank account. Police noted that in April alone, deposits of Rs. 150,000, Rs. 190,000, Rs. 150,000, and Rs. 1.197 million were made.

During questioning, Deva disclosed that the bag containing grenades had been handed to him three months earlier by a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Neriyakulam. 

Authorities suspect this individual may attempt to flee the country via sea routes and have alerted the Navy and airport security.

Another suspect, a 24-year-old resident of Dutuwai, Neriyakulam, was also arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the operation.

Among the suspects arrested in Settikulam is an individual with an outstanding warrant issued by the courts.

Mobile phones recovered from the suspects have been handed over to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) for further analysis. Investigations are now being conducted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Police have also uncovered that the suspects operated a WhatsApp group named "KD Killer Kings", through which they coordinated activities related to drug trafficking, explosives, and arms smuggling.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the suspects have links to any terrorist organization. The Police Narcotics Bureau has joined the investigation to verify the suspects’ involvement in drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, two individuals who were reportedly in the motor vehicle that transported the Kiribathgoda suspect from Kompanna Veediya have also been taken into custody by police.