Five close associates of drug trafficker Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias 'Harak Kata', who is operating from Dubai, have been arrested with heroin during a raid by the Panadura Walana Anti-Corruption squad.

Police also seized 650g of heroin from the suspects' possession.

The suspects were arrested during raids conducted in Matara, Weligama, Walana and Midigama areas.

Harak Kata reportedly operating his drug trafficking from Dubai by contacting Sri Lankans through emo technology, police said.

Though the arrested suspects are members of the same drug ring, they do not know each other, a police official said. (Bimal Shaman Jayasinghe)