90-day detention order for deported drug trafficker Shiran Basik

The Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB) on Monday obtained a 90-day detention order to further interrogate alleged drug trafficker Shiran Basik following his deportation to Sri Lanka from Dubai on August 14.

Basik, who was arrested by Dubai authorities in March, was deported from the United Arab Emirates and brought back to Sri Lanka last Friday. He was subsequently arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Airport Unit upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Following preliminary questioning by CID officers, he was handed over to the CCIB for further investigations.

During questioning, Basik reportedly told investigators that he was at a luxury shopping mall in Dubai when he was stopped and searched by Dubai police.

He reportedly claimed that the incident took place while Iran was carrying out a series of attacks on the UAE. According to his statement, Dubai police searched his mobile phone and found video footage of attacks carried out by Iran against the UAE, following which he was arrested.

He further told investigators that Dubai police questioned him daily about alleged links to Iran until arrangements were made for his deportation to Sri Lanka.

Basik reportedly said that Dubai authorities subsequently instructed him to purchase an air ticket to Sri Lanka before deporting him.

The suspect had travelled legally from Sri Lanka to Dubai on June 2, 2018, and had reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle there while operating two large-scale businesses.

Police said an Interpol Red Notice previously issued against Basik by Sri Lankan authorities in connection with a drug-related case had been withdrawn. He was arrested in Dubai while Sri Lankan authorities were preparing to obtain a new Interpol Red Notice against him.

Further investigations into Basik are being conducted under the direction of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ranmal Kodithuwakku and Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa.

The 90-day detention order will enable investigators to question the suspect further and conduct investigations into his alleged involvement in drug-related activities.