Former SLPP Colombo councillor arrested

Investigators have uncovered information indicating that Mahinda Kahandagama, a former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member of the Colombo Municipal Council, had maintained close links with organised drug traffickers.

The Central Crime Investigation Bureau arrested Kahandagama this morning (6) with a quantity of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, following an investigation launched on information that he was involved in trafficking the drug.

During further investigations, officers found footage showing Kahandagama attending a party in Dubai with a group of alleged drug traffickers.

The footage reportedly shows Chathura Dilrukshan, the brother of an alleged criminal known as “Modara Nipuna”, and an alleged drug trafficker known as “Keselwatte Dinush”. Investigators said the footage showed Kahandagama interacting closely with them.

The men are also heard referring to Kahandagama as “Dada”.

Investigators have also uncovered information indicating that Kahandagama maintained close links with an alleged drug trafficker known as “Ibbagewatte Sujee”, including details of telephone conversations between the two.

The investigation has further revealed that Kahandagama had allegedly received death threats after failing to pay “Ibbagewatte Sujee” for a quantity of crystal methamphetamine he had obtained from him.

Meanwhile, acting on information obtained from Kahandagama, police arrested another suspect allegedly linked to the drug network in the Nugegoda area with 1,100 milligrams of crystal methamphetamine.

Both suspects have been taken to the Central Crime Investigation Bureau in Narahenpita for further questioning.

They are due to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (6), where investigators are expected to seek detention orders.