Police arrested six individuals in Toduwawa, Chilaw, late Thursday night, for the possession of Rs. 18 million in cash, believed to be the proceeds of illegal drug operations.
According to police sources, the arrests took place during a routine inspection carried out by officers on night patrol. The suspects were travelling in a three-wheeler when they were stopped by police near Toduwawa. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the large sum of cash, which immediately raised suspicions about its origin.
“Officers acted on instinct after noticing irregular behaviour from the occupants of the three-wheeler. Upon inspection, they found neatly bundled stacks of cash hidden under the seats,” a senior officer attached to the Chilaw Police said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the money may have been acquired through the transportation and distribution of narcotics.
Authorities believe the suspects may be part of a larger network involved in drug trafficking operations across the region.
All six individuals, whose identities have not yet been released pending further investigation, are currently in police custody and are being interrogated.
Law enforcement officers are also attempting to trace financial links and communication records to uncover the full extent of their operation.The arrested individuals would be produced before the Chilaw Magistrate’s Court, police said.
Norman Palihawadane