An individual has been arrested in connection with an alleged organised vehicle robbery operation in which vehicles advertised for sale through Facebook were later robbed from purchasers, police stated.

The suspect, a 59-year-old resident of Yakkala, was arrested by officers attached to the Western Province North Crime Division.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint made to the Police Emergency Hotline on July 1 by an individual who claimed that a van purchased for Rs. 4 million had been robbed by a group of armed persons.

Investigations conducted by the Western Province North Crime Division have revealed that approximately 10 individuals, including the owner of a vehicle sales outlet in Mudungoda, Balummahara, are allegedly connected to the incident.

Police said the suspect was arrested in Yakkala on July 13.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects had allegedly posted advertisements on Facebook to sell vehicles and, after the vehicles were sold, had followed the purchasers and carried out planned robberies to take back the vehicles.

The owner of the vehicle sales outlet and other suspects believed to be involved in the operation have reportedly fled the area.

Officers have seized two swords, two pistol magazines, three live rounds of ammunition and a jeep during a search conducted at the vehicle dealer’s residence in Kalagedihena, Nittambuwa.

Police said complaints have also been received regarding two other robberies allegedly carried out using a similar method.

The arrested suspect was produced before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court yesterday (14), where he was remanded until July 16.

Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by the Western Province North Crime Division.