Two close associates of organised criminal and large-scale drug trafficker Salindu Malshitha, widely known as “Panadura Kudu Salindu,” have been arrested in the Payagala area with more than 90 grams of crystal methamphetamine, police said on Tuesday.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of the morning by the Police Walana Central Anti-Corruption Striking Force, which conducted simultaneous raids in the Nirmalawatta and Kumburugoda localities of Payagala on intelligence received about a narcotics distribution cell operating from the area.
A suspect identified as “Pettha,” whose real name is Pathum, was found in possession of 42,350 milligrams of “Ice” — crystal methamphetamine — while a second suspect known as “Kaviya,” identified as Kavindu, was caught with 48,170 milligrams of the same drug. Their combined seizure totalled 90,520 milligrams, or approximately 90.5 grams.
Police said both men had been living covertly in Payagala while distributing methamphetamine to a network of retail dealers across surrounding areas. Neighbours had reportedly noticed unusual movement around the properties, prompting informants to alert investigators.
“Panadura Kudu Salindu” is one of a group of Sri Lankan drug kingpins whom authorities have been targeting in a series of operations against organised crime distribution networks, many of whose principals now operate from overseas.
Further investigations are being carried out by the Walana Anti-Corruption Striking Force, with both suspects expected to be produced before a magistrate on drug-trafficking charges.
Source: Ada Derana.
