Why Does Alleged Drug Kingpin Shiran Basick Need Court-Ordered Security?

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court today ordered authorities to provide adequate security to alleged major drug trafficker Shiran Basick, who is currently being detained and questioned by the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau.

Basick, who was arrested while hiding in Dubai and later deported to Sri Lanka, is currently being interrogated under a 90-day detention order issued under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Investigating officers attached to the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau sought permission from court to examine the suspect's telephone and banking records as part of the ongoing investigation.

During the proceedings, Attorney-at-Law Wasantha Pithigala, appearing for the suspect, informed court that Basick was not receiving adequate security while being detained and questioned at the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau, located near the Narahenpita Police Station.

Counsel further told court that the suspect is being taken on foot every morning from the Narahenpita Police Station to the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau for questioning.

The lawyer argued that such movements could expose the suspect to potential threats to his life and requested the court to issue an order directing authorities to ensure his safety.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered the Officer-in-Charge of the Narahenpita Police Station and the Director of the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau to take the necessary steps to provide adequate protection to the suspect.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate also emphasized that his court does not have jurisdiction to issue orders relating to certain investigative requests and instructed investigators to seek the relevant approvals from the appropriate court with jurisdiction over those matters.