A man alleged to have acted as the cash collector for large-scale drug trafficker Salindu Malshitha Gunaratne, also known as “Panadura Kudu Salindu”, has been arrested along with his wife, police said.

The couple was taken into custody, last night (17), by officers attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Headquarters while allegedly distributing heroin and collecting money near the Ratmalana Airport Junction.

Police had recovered approximately Rs. 6.3 million in cash, 15,055 milligrams of heroin, a modern cash-counting machine, an electronic weighing scale and a scooter from the suspects.

According to police, Mount Lavinia Headquarters Chief Inspector had received information that a person transporting narcotics was travelling in a three-wheeler.

Acting on the tip-off, officers had stopped and searched a three-wheeler travelling towards Galle Road from the Airport Junction area. A woman was also found seated in the vehicle.

Upon inspection, police had identified the driver as a resident of Alubomulla, Panadura. Further questioning and a search allegedly led to the discovery of heroin in his possession.

Police also inspected a bag belonging to the woman, which contained a large sum of cash.

Investigations revealed that the suspects are a married couple and are alleged to have been involved in distributing narcotics and collecting money on behalf of “Panadura Kudu Salindu”.

The suspects had reportedly told police that they received a monthly payment of Rs. 150,000 for carrying out the activities.

Police further stated that the couple had been residing in a rented house in the Hadigama area of Piliyandala for about two years. A search of the residence had led to the recovery of the cash-counting machine and the electronic weighing scale allegedly used in the operation.  

The suspects, aged 26 and 34, are to be detained and questioned further under detention orders.