An army soldier and a former army soldier have been arrested with a firearm and ammunition last night (07) at Elpitiya while allegedly waiting to carry out a shooting targeting a businessman in the Pituwala area of Elpitiya.
Police said that a pistol, 10 rounds of 10mm ammunition, false vehicle number plates and a motorcycle in their possession have also been taken into custody.
They have been arrested while waiting on a motorcycle near a shop which is reportedly owned by the businessman in question.
The targeted businessman has been revealed to be a close associate of an organized criminal figure who is currently hiding overseas, the police said.
Meanwhile, the businessman has reportedly been receiving death threats over the phone allegedly from another organized criminal gang leader who is also abroad and a complaint has been lodged with the Elpitiya Police in this regard, according to police.
Elpitiya police have initiated investigations into whether this incident is related to the recent incidents involving two underworld gangs operating in the Southern Province.
