The Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has obtained a 72-hour detention order to further interrogate alleged large-scale drug trafficker Shiran Basik following his deportation to Sri Lanka from Dubai on Thursday (14).

Basik, who is alleged to be a major Sri Lankan drug kingpin, was arrested in Dubai earlier this year and deported to Sri Lanka yesterday. Upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, he was taken into custody by officers attached to the Airport Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

According to information revealed during initial questioning, the suspect stated that he was stopped and searched by Dubai Police while at a shopping mall. He claimed that officers examined his mobile phone and subsequently arrested him after discovering footage of Iranian missile and drone attacks stored on the device.

The suspect further stated that he was questioned by Dubai authorities regarding alleged links to Iran until his deportation to Sri Lanka. He also claimed that he had been instructed to purchase his return air ticket to Sri Lanka at his own expense prior to being deported.

Investigators revealed that an Interpol Red Notice previously issued against Basik had been withdrawn following a court case related to drug offences. However, he was arrested in Dubai while Sri Lankan authorities were reportedly preparing to seek the issuance of a new Red Notice.

Police said Basik had legally departed Sri Lanka for Dubai on June 2, 2018, where he allegedly lived a lavish lifestyle while operating two businesses.

Following initial questioning by CID officers, the suspect was then handed over to the CCIB for further investigations.

Further inquiries are being conducted under the supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Ranmal Kodituwakku and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kamal Ariyawansa.