Criminal investigators have recovered data from mobile phones belonging to alleged drug trafficker Kehelbaddara Padme, revealing contacts with nine politicians, seven actresses and models, and 13 prison officers.
The Criminal Investigation Department informed the Colombo Magistrate's Court that eight mobile phones seized from Kehelbaddara Padme contained extensive digital records despite deletion attempts by investigators. The recovered data included details of 8,841 telephone calls, over 326,000 photographs, 1,101 audio recordings and 5,039 videos, according to CID submissions.
Among the contacts identified were nine politicians and seven actresses and models, though investigators noted that discovering contact information does not indicate these individuals committed any offence. The CID is continuing inquiries into the nature and significance of these connections. Additionally, telephone numbers belonging to 13 prison officers were found on the devices, prompting notification to the Commissioner General of Prisons.
The investigation has uncovered broader criminal networks, with information relating to 20 suspected major drug traffickers identified and referred to the Police Narcotics Bureau. Investigators also discovered photographs of 19 passports linked to individuals allegedly involved in various criminal activities and are examining 17 bank accounts associated with the suspect.
Padme was arrested in Indonesia following an international operation and returned to Sri Lanka. Records indicate he travelled to 13 countries on approximately 15 occasions since legally departing Sri Lanka in May 2021, visiting destinations including the UAE, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Laos. The Colombo Magistrate's Court has extended his detention until September 3 pending further investigation.
