A suspect believed to have functioned as a gunman for an overseas residing, organised criminal figure known as “Homagama Gagana”, has been arrested.
The arrest was carried out in the Pitipana area of Homagama yesterday (April 28) by officers of the Western Province North Crimes Division.
During the operation, police recovered an Austrian-manufactured firearm, a magazine, and 05 rounds of ammunition in his possession.
The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Kodithuwakku Kamkanamge Lasantha, alias “Anju”, a resident of Embilipitiya who had been temporarily residing in the Pitipana area of Homagama.
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He is suspected of being involved in several shooting incidents reported in Homagama, Padukka, Hanwella, Meegoda, Kosgama, and Nawagamuwa areas.
Authorities further noted that the arrest was made based on intelligence obtained during investigations into the drug trafficking network of underworld figure “Konda Ranji”, who is currently under arrest in Dubai.
Police said that through the same network, 05 suspects have already been arrested, along with around 37 kg of narcotics, including heroin, with an estimated street value of nearly Rs. 500 million.
Further investigations are underway.