Police have arrested a 42-year-old Nugegoda resident suspected of aiding an attempted murder shooting that occurred in Athurugiriya in August. Investigators believe the incident was orchestrated by an organized criminal based overseas.
The Western Province South Division Crime Unit arrested a 42-year-old man from Gangodawila, Nugegoda, in connection with a shooting incident that took place on August 17 in the Malawiyakanda Road area of Athurugiriya. The arrest was made following an investigation into an attempted murder in which a person was shot and seriously injured.
According to police, the suspect aided the alleged perpetrators by providing information that led investigators to a motorcycle believed to have been used in the shooting. The motorcycle, discovered at the suspect's residence, was fitted with forged registration plates. Authorities suspect the suspect's role involved facilitating access to this vehicle and related logistical support for those who carried out the attack.
Investigators have indicated that the shooting was allegedly directed by an organized criminal and drug trafficker currently living abroad. This connection emerged as police examined evidence linking the August incident to other violent crimes. The forged number plates found on the motorcycle had reportedly been used previously in two separate incidents: an alleged attempted shooting on July 19 at a cemetery in the Dehiwala Police Division, and an armed robbery on July 21 in the Templers Road area of Mount Lavinia, where residents were threatened with a firearm and assaulted.
The Crime Unit continues investigating these linked incidents as authorities work to establish the full network of individuals involved in what appears to be a series of organized criminal activities.