Charith Sandakelum, alias “Ran Malli”, a major drug trafficker linked to several organised criminal activities, including the trafficking of approximately 345 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine ('Ice') recently recovered from the Kirinda Beach, has been arrested in Bulgaria.
Bulgarian security authorities arrested the suspect based on Red Notices issued by INTERPOL and information available through border security databases.
IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya said INTERPOL had confirmed the arrest and that arrangements would be made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring the suspect back to Sri Lanka under extradition procedures.
Ran Malli, a resident of the Dikwella area, had reportedly been residing in Dubai for an extended period while directing drug trafficking operations in Sri Lanka, police said.
He has been identified as a key operative in the drug trafficking network of Nadun Chinthaka, alias “Harak Kata”, also a major drug trafficker currently being held at Tangalle Prison.
Reports indicate that 'Ran Malli' was taken into custody by Bulgarian security authorities while attempting to enter Europe using false documents to evade international law enforcement operations.
