Police have arrested two individuals transporting narcotics on the Southern Expressway, with one suspect identified as a former police officer found in possession of weapons, ammunition, and police equipment.
Two people have been arrested while allegedly transporting drugs along the Southern Expressway following a police operation at the Kadawatha entrance. According to police, the suspects were intercepted at the Kadawatha exit with quantities of 'Kush' cannabis and narcotic pills referred to as 'mushrooms'.
During initial questioning, the driver presented a police identity card claiming to be a Police Inspector. However, investigations revealed the 30-year-old suspect is a former Police Sub-Inspector from Nagahaduwa, Payagala, who previously worked with the Police Narcotics Bureau. He had reportedly left the police service in 2024 and was involved in a gold smuggling operation, according to police statements. The suspect also possessed an Interpol identification card.
A search of the suspect's residence uncovered an extensive collection of police-related items and weapons, including 16 police uniforms, approximately 80 rounds of various ammunition types, police notebooks, handcuffs, and other equipment. Officers also recovered six foreign-manufactured cigarette packs, multiple mobile phones, weighing scales, and a machete from the premises.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Mahara Magistrate's Court, where police intend to request a detention order to investigate alleged connections to drug trafficking networks. The case highlights concerns about the potential involvement of former law enforcement personnel in criminal activities.
