The Police Narcotics Bureau is preparing to arrest the 37-year-old elder brother of a prominent national-level cricketer over alleged involvement in organized crime, drug trafficking and the acquisition of illicit assets, or money laundering, reliable police sources said.
The suspect, a resident of the Mount Lavinia area, is alleged to have maintained direct links with several large-scale drug traffickers and underworld figures operating both in Sri Lanka and overseas.
He had previously served prison sentences on two occasions for violent crimes and later became involved in organized crime and drug trafficking, according to information gathered by investigators.
The suspect is also alleged to have provided assistance and support in the killing of 57-year-old Jathunga Priyantha, who was shot dead by two gunmen travelling on a motorcycle on Kandawala Road near the Ratmalana Airport Junction on August 1.
Police investigations have revealed that the suspect had used individuals in the area to transport and distribute drugs including heroin, ‘ice’, kush and hashish.
He is also alleged to have worked with drug networks operated by several local and overseas underworld figures.
Police have further received information that the suspect was involved in laundering and concealing money earned through drug trafficking. Several allegedly corrupt police officers who are suspected of assisting him in return for bribes have also reportedly been identified.
Police are currently taking steps to arrest the suspect after further verifying the evidence gathered during the investigation.
