• A total of 228,000+ arrested in 2024 linked to narco crime
• Kehelbaddara Padme’s associate ‘Pas Deva’ nabbed with drugs/bullets; placed under PTA detention

Arrests related to crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’, in 2024, have increased 161% compared to 2023, the Police data showed. The Police noted that 228,450 people were arrested for drug offenses. Of them, 68,132 were arrested for offenses related to ‘Ice’. The authorities seized 832.3 kilograms (kg) of heroin, 8,359 kg of cannabis, and 1,364 kg of ‘Ice’ in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Western Province North Crimes Division on Monday (15) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that Devanmini Dissanayake, also known by the alias ‘Pas Deva’, an individual who is said to be a close associate of organised crime suspect ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, who is currently in custody, is being detained and interrogated under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA) on the orders of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Accordingly, the suspect will be held and questioned for a period of 90 days, as informed to the Additional Magistrate H.D.D.J. Premarathna. The Police stated that during interrogation following Pas Deva’s arrest, they recovered 440 grams of narcotics and several live bullets from a hotel previously owned by ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’. Having considered the submissions, the Magistrate instructed the Police to report on the progress of the investigations to Court at a future date.

Elsewhere, a total of 598 suspects have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in criminal activities and also over illicit liquor- and drug-related offenses during a special islandwide operation conducted on Monday. As part of the operation, 27,580 people were subjected to inspection, the Police Media Division said. Police have identified 24 suspects directly linked to criminal activities while 418 suspects with outstanding warrants were arrested during the operation. According to the report, a total of 45 drunk drivers were apprehended while a further 16 reckless drivers and 3,857 persons who violated various other traffic offences were identified. According to the Police, islandwide operations are conducted to apprehend small-, medium-, and large-scale drug traffickers, individuals involved in criminal activities, and those in the possession of illegal firearms.