Intelligence shared by Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies with Dubai security authorities has led to the arrest of a major Sri Lankan organized-crime figure, Gamage Saranga Pradeep, alias “Welle Saranga,” in Dubai.

Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa, who is in charge of the Central Crime Investigation Division, an officer from the State Intelligence Service and an officer from the Criminal Investigation Department had recently traveled to Dubai as part of a special operation targeting organized-crime figure Lalith Kannangara, alias “Bus Lalith.”

During the operation, the Sri Lankan investigation team had also obtained information concerning Saranga Pradeep, alias Welle Saranga.

The investigators subsequently handed over all information gathered on Welle Saranga to Dubai security authorities. Acting on the intelligence provided by the Sri Lankan team, Dubai authorities launched an operation to locate the suspect.

The operation resulted in Welle Saranga being arrested at his residence in Dubai.

Reports said cocaine and crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’), were allegedly found in his possession at the time of the arrest. Several other individuals were also reportedly arrested by Dubai police during the operation.

Welle Saranga is facing allegations linked to large-scale drug trafficking, with cannabis trafficking cited as one of the main allegations against him.

He has also been accused of shooting and killing a woman in Mutwal on February 15, 2018, allegedly because she had opposed drug-related activities.

According to reports, the suspect has previously been arrested in connection with several other incidents.

On May 30, 2017, he was arrested by the Foreshore Police in Mutwal, for allegedly possessing a sharp weapon. He was subsequently arrested by the Bloemendhal Police on April 20, 2022, in connection with the alleged possession of a Russian-made firearm and two rounds of ammunition.

He was also arrested on July 4, 2017, over allegations of participating in an unlawful assembly in Mattakkuliya and causing damage to six houses and six three-wheeler vehicles.

The suspect was further accused of involvement in the abduction of a 15-year-old boy in Mattakkuliya on February 15, 2018.

He has also faced allegations in connection with several murder incidents. Reports indicate that he was taken into the custody of Sri Lankan security authorities in 2020 while allegedly attempting to leave the country illegally.

Following a series of alleged criminal activities, the suspect is reported to have fled Sri Lanka and subsequently traveled to Dubai.