A key associate of Gotha Asanka, a powerful overseas drug lord involved in organized crime, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division in a special operation. The suspect was found in possession of 2 kilograms and 218 grams of heroin, valued at approximately Rs. 70 million.
Part of this heroin stash was discovered hidden in a house in Gothatuwa. In addition to the heroin, the suspect was found with Rs. 667,000 in cash suspected to be earnings from drug trafficking, two mobile phones, and a car believed to have been used for drug distribution. Furthermore, authorities recovered 12 motorcycles linked to the suspect, which are now under investigation to determine whether they were used for drug distribution or other criminal activities. Colombo Crimes Division Director, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Indika Lokuhettiy stated that investigations are ongoing.
The arrested suspect, a 41-year-old man, had mobile phones in his possession that, upon examination, revealed connections to Gotha Asanka, who is operating the drug trade from abroad. Gotha Asanka was previously arrested in India for drug trafficking and was detained for a long period in a prison in Tamil Nadu. However, phone records from the arrested suspect show that Gotha Asanka had been using a phone number registered in Romania. This has raised suspicions about whether he has escaped to Romania after being released from Indian custody or is still in India using a Romanian phone number. Police have launched an investigation into this matter.
The suspect’s house in Gothatuwa was searched based on intelligence regarding a planned assassination. Information indicated that a motorcycle at the residence was intended for use in the murder plot. During the raid, over 100 grams of heroin were initially found in the suspect’s possession. Further questioning led officers to discover over 2 kilograms of heroin hidden in the house.
Gotha Asanka is also suspected of being involved in contract killings, using former LTTE snipers for assassinations. Police are now investigating whether he continues to orchestrate contract killings from abroad. Investigations into all these matters are currently underway.
