A fugitive drug kingpin was taken into custody by Police on Wednesday (15) in Kotahena, following intelligence received by the Gampaha unit of the Western Province Intelligence Division that he was hiding in the area after returning from abroad.
The suspect is reportedly a close relative of the notorious drug trafficker known as ‘Pukudu Kanna’, and is identified as Kanapathi Ganesh, also known as Thotalanga Kanna. Authorities say that Pukudu Kanna is currently overseas.
The suspect had previously been charged before the Colombo High Court in 2014 for possessing and trafficking 39 grams of heroin in Elakanda. While on bail during the trial, he fled the country. In his absence, the court proceeded with the
trial and on Oct 10, sentenced him to life imprisonment.
After returning from India, Kanapathi Ganesh was reportedly residing in Kotahena. Acting on this information, a team led by Kotahena Police Superintendent and Chief Inspector Kosala, along with other officers, apprehended the suspect.
Police have also received information that the suspect is the husband of a major drug trafficker known as Thotalange Kumari.
by Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu 