A key suspect said to be linked to the organised crime network of gang leader “Kanjipani Imran” has been arrested by the Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID), police said on Tuesday.
Police Media Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler said the suspect, a 38-year-old resident of Colombo 15, was taken into custody during an intelligence-led raid in the Kala Road area of Ja-Ela on Monday evening. He has been identified as an associate of Kanjipani Imran, who is believed to be currently overseas.
The CTID is continuing investigations into the suspect’s alleged activities within the gang. No further details of what he is being questioned about were released.
Kanjipani Imran is one of several high-profile Sri Lankan organised crime figures who have relocated abroad in recent years, continuing to direct operations locally through intermediaries. Authorities have long said their fugitive status complicates prosecution and have pressed for extradition cooperation with foreign governments.
Tuesday’s arrest comes amid a wider government-backed crackdown on organised crime networks. Authorities recently said eight senior Sri Lankan criminals remain in foreign custody pending extradition requests, and gang members held at Welisara Navy detention facility were transferred to other high-security prisons last week.
The CTID is expected to seek detention orders when the suspect is produced before a magistrate in the coming days.
Source: Newswire.
