Dubai authorities have arrested Gamage Saranga Pradeep, known as 'Welle Saranga,' a major Sri Lankan organized-crime figure, based on intelligence shared by Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies during a joint operation.
A significant organized-crime figure wanted in Sri Lanka has been apprehended in Dubai following a collaborative intelligence-sharing operation between Sri Lankan and Emirati security authorities. Gamage Saranga Pradeep, alias 'Welle Saranga,' was arrested at his residence after Dubai authorities acted on information provided by a Sri Lankan investigation team.
The arrest emerged from a special operation conducted by Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa and officers from the State Intelligence Service and Criminal Investigation Department, who had traveled to Dubai to pursue another organized-crime suspect, Lalith Kannangara, known as 'Bus Lalith.' During this operation, investigators gathered intelligence on Welle Saranga and forwarded it to Dubai authorities, who subsequently located and arrested him. According to reports, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine were allegedly found during the arrest, and several other individuals were also taken into custody during the operation.
Welle Saranga faces serious allegations in Sri Lanka including large-scale drug trafficking, particularly cannabis trafficking. He is also accused of shooting and killing a woman in Mutwal on February 15, 2018, allegedly in connection with opposition to drug-related activities. Records indicate multiple prior arrests, including incidents related to illegal weapons possession, unlawful assembly, and involvement in abduction cases. In 2020, he was reportedly detained while attempting to leave Sri Lanka illegally, after which he reportedly fled to Dubai.
The arrest represents a significant achievement for Sri Lankan law enforcement in apprehending a fugitive suspect through international cooperation.
