Police Special Task Force officers arrested a 23-year-old suspect and recovered more than 18 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine during a raid in Bandaragama, with authorities alleging links to an overseas drug trafficking network.

The Police Special Task Force conducted a search operation on August 18 at a residential property in Maswila, Vendesi Watta, Bandaragama, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of crystal methamphetamine and the arrest of a local suspect. Acting on intelligence gathered by the Horana Camp-based Headquarters Special Operations Unit, officers discovered 18.672 kilograms of the drug concealed within the house.

Beyond the drug consignment, police recovered a digital weighing scale and two mobile phones from the premises, which investigators believe were used in trafficking and distribution activities. The arrested individual, a 23-year-old resident of the same area, was taken into custody by officers led by the Deputy Officer-in-Charge of the Headquarters Special Operations Unit.

According to initial investigative findings, the suspect functioned as a primary operational contact for an individual known as 'Dubai Ravishka,' identified as an overseas-based drug kingpin currently located in Dubai. Police further indicate the suspect maintained connections to an organized crime network operated by 'Kudu Salindu.' The case has been transferred to the Police Narcotics Bureau for ongoing investigation and prosecution. The seized drug quantity carries an estimated value of millions of rupees.