Vavuniya Arrests Uncover Explosives & Drugs Trafficking Ring

COLOMBO (News 1st); Police have uncovered critical information indicating that suspects arrested in the Settikulam area of Vavuniya with 86 live grenades and 321 T-56 bullets were involved in drug, explosives, and arms trafficking.

This revelation came during an investigation into a WhatsApp group operated by the suspects.

The live grenades taken into police custody are scheduled to be deactivated in a secure location under a court order.

Police stated that samples from the seized explosives will be sent to the Government Analyst for further examination.

Investigations have also been launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, following evidence that the suspects had received funds from external parties into their bank accounts on multiple occasions.

The case has now been handed over to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) for further inquiry.

Police confirmed that the suspect arrested in Settikulam with weapons, another suspect, and a third individual apprehended in Kiribathgoda with a T-56 firearm have all been transferred to the TID.

Authorities plan to detain and interrogate the suspects for 72 hours.

Additionally, two more suspects were arrested in Kompanna Veediya, Colombo, in connection with transporting a T-56 firearm, a magazine, and 36 bullets in a motor vehicle to Kiribathgoda.

Police are investigating whether these individuals provided support to a terrorist organization.

Due to emerging evidence of their involvement in drug trafficking, officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau are also scheduled to question the suspects.

Among those arrested in Settikulam is an individual who had an outstanding warrant issued by the court.