Investigators have received credible information suggesting that Shiran Basik, described as a major drug trafficker who was arrested following his deportation from Dubai, may also have been involved in illegal arms trafficking, the Court of Appeal was told today (19).

Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera made the disclosure while appearing on behalf of the respondents in a petition challenging Basik’s detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The petition was taken up for consideration before a Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Mahen Gopallawa and Annalingam Premashankar.

Appearing for Shiran Basik, attorney Suren Gnanaraj argued that his client’s arrest and detention under the PTA were unlawful.

He told the court that, according to police records, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had arrested Basik following his deportation from Dubai on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice. However, the attorney maintained that the notice had since been withdrawn after his client was acquitted in the relevant drug trafficking case.

Gnanaraj further submitted that only two cases were currently pending against Basik: one relating to the 2012 Welikada Prison riot and another concerning cocaine trafficking. He argued that there was no legal basis or sufficient evidence to justify his continued detention under the PTA.

Responding to these arguments, Deputy Solicitor General Perera said investigators had received credible information indicating that Shiran Basik was allegedly involved in illegal arms trafficking in addition to drug-related activities.

He added that further investigations were underway to determine whether Basik had links to extremist organizations. The Deputy Solicitor General maintained that his detention under the PTA was based on reasonable grounds presented to the authorities.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer also requested permission for Shiran Basik to receive home-prepared vegetable meals and sought additional time for him to meet with his legal representatives.

The lawyer further alleged that police were recording conversations between Basik and his attorneys.

In response, Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera said the request to allow food from home raised concerns and explained that the police had imposed restrictions with the suspect’s security in mind.

The Court of Appeal subsequently directed the Deputy Solicitor General to examine whether the requests could be accommodated and report back to the court at a later date.