The Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has obtained a 90-day detention order to further interrogate notorious drug trafficker Shiran Basik following his deportation to Sri Lanka from Dubai on August 14, 2026.
Following his arrest in Dubai last March, the suspect was deported from the United Arab Emirates and was brought back to Sri Lanka on August 14.
He was subsequently arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by officers attached to the Airport Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
During questioning, he reportedly had told investigators that he was at a luxury shopping mall in Dubai when he was stopped and searched by Dubai police.
He said the incident occurred at a time when Iran was continuously carrying out attacks on the UAE.
According to the suspect, Dubai police searched his mobile phone and found footage of attacks carried out by Iran against the UAE, following which he was arrested.
He further told investigators that Dubai police questioned him daily about his alleged links to Iran until he was deported to Sri Lanka.
He also reportedly stated that authorities in Dubai later instructed him to purchase an air ticket to Sri Lanka, following which he was deported.
The Interpol Red Notice previously issued by Sri Lankan Police in connection with a drug-related case against him had reportedly been withdrawn. He was arrested at a time when Sri Lankan authorities were preparing to obtain a new Interpol Red Notice against him.
The suspect had legally travelled from Sri Lanka to Dubai on June 2, 2018.
While in Dubai, he had reportedly lived a lavish lifestyle and operated two large-scale businesses in the country.
Following preliminary questioning by CID officers, the suspect was handed over to the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau for further investigations.
Further investigations into the suspect are being conducted under the direction of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ranmal Kodithuwakku and Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa.
