Three police officers attached to the Homagama Police Station have been interdicted following the death of a suspect who was arrested for allegedly possessing crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), the Police Media Division said.

The 29-year-old suspect, a resident of Kiriwaththuduwa was arrested by Homagama Police officers at Pitipana Junction on October 25, while allegedly in possession of narcotics.

According to police, the suspect developed a sudden illness after being brought to the Homagama Police Station. He was subsequently admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital for treatment but died thereafter.

Following the incident, the matter was reported to the Homagama Magistrate’s Court. The Acting Magistrate conducted a site inspection and a magisterial inquiry into the body at the Homagama Base Hospital.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted at the Kalubowila Hospital tomorrow.

The Homagama Division I Police Superintendent has interdicted three officers with effect from today (26) in connection with the incident. They include two Sub-Inspectors serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the Crimes Division and the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Corruption Raids Division, as well as a Police Constable who was performing ancillary duties.

Investigations are being conducted under the direct supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Homagama Division, with the assistance of the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Homagama District II.

Meanwhile, the Western Province South Divisional Crime Investigation Division and the Police Special Investigation Unit have also launched investigations into the incident on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.

Investigations are ongoing, and the cause of the suspect’s death has yet to be established pending the post-mortem examination, the Police Media Division noted.