The Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has obtained a 90-day detention order to further interrogate alleged major drug trafficker Shiran Basik.
Basik, who is suspected of operating large-scale drug trafficking operations linked to Sri Lanka, was arrested in Dubai in March 2026 before being deported to Sri Lanka on August 14.
Upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on August 14, he was taken into custody by officers attached to the Airport Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Following his initial arrest, CID officers obtained a 72-hour detention order to question the suspect before handing him over to the CCIB for further investigations. The CCIB has subsequently secured approval to detain him for a further 90 days for questioning.
During initial interrogations, Basik reportedly told investigators that he had been stopped and searched by Dubai Police while visiting a luxury shopping mall in Dubai.
He claimed that officers examined his mobile phone and arrested him after discovering video footage of Iranian missile and drone attacks stored on the device.
He further claimed that Dubai authorities questioned him over alleged connections to Iran and that he was instructed to purchase his own air ticket to Sri Lanka before being deported.
Investigators have also revealed that an Interpol Red Notice previously issued against Basik had been withdrawn following legal proceedings relating to drug offences. However, he was arrested in Dubai while Sri Lankan authorities were reportedly preparing to seek the issuance of a fresh Red Notice against him.
According to police information, Basik had legally left Sri Lanka for Dubai on June 2, 2018.
Investigators believe that he had been living a lavish lifestyle in Dubai while operating two businesses.
Following his deportation, Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities have commenced further investigations into his alleged involvement in international drug trafficking networks and other criminal activities.
The 90-day detention order will allow investigators to conduct further questioning and inquiries into the allegations against him.
