An individual has been arrested by Peliyagoda Police in the Ja-Ela area while in possession of over 4.5 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine), police said.

An electronic scale used to weigh drugs was also found in the suspect’s possession.

The arrested suspect has been identified as a 22-year-old resident of the Pattiya area in Kelaniya, police said.

He was arrested with 161 grams of heroin while transporting narcotics in a car in the Ranawiru Mawatha area within the Kelaniya Police Division last night (07).

Acting on information that drugs were being transported in a car, a team of officers from the Kelaniya Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau had attempted to stop and inspect the vehicle.

However, the driver allegedly had attempted to flee from the scene, causing the car to veer off the road and overturn.

Police subsequently searched the vehicle and had arrested the driver with 161 grams of heroin in his possession. The car has also been taken into police custody.

Upon further questioning, investigating officers had discovered 4 kilograms and 870 grams of 'Ice' and an electronic weighing scale concealed at his residence where the suspect was temporarily residing in the Isuru Uyana area of Kotugoda, within the Ja-Ela Police Division.

Investigations have revealed that he is a close associate of a drug trafficker, police said.

The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court today (08).

Meanwhile, investigating officers said the suspect is believed to have distributed drugs allegedly sent to Sri Lanka by drug traffickers residing overseas and sold them to various individuals.

Further investigations are being conducted by the Kelaniya Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau.