CCD arrests five suspects over alleged Dubai-backed murder plot

Five individuals suspected of having plotted to kill a local businessman under the alleged direction of an organized criminal based in Dubai, have been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) along with live grenades and several swords in the Horampella area of Minuwangoda.

Police said a raid was conducted to arrest a person who was in possession of a firearm based on information received by the officers of the Organized Crime Investigation Unit of the Colombo Crime Division.

However, as the suspect was not present at his residence, the officers intercepted two motorcycles accompanying a suspicious vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers detected 12 grams of "ICE" narcotics in the possession of the driver. In addition, two live grenades of foreign origin and two sharp weapons were discovered inside the vehicle.

Accordingly, the police took the driver of the vehicle and the four individuals who had arrived on the two motorcycles into custody on suspicion of their involvement in the alleged plot.

Upon conducting a preliminary investigation, it was revealed that these individuals had allegedly devised a plan to murder a local businessman in the area, with purported instructions  from an organized criminal figure located in Dubai. 

The suspects had reportedly arrived in the area with the intention of making contact with another individual for the execution of this alleged murder plot.

The five arrested suspects are identified as aged 22, 23, 25, 39, and 56, and residents of Katuwellegama, Minuwangoda, Kimbulapitiya and Horampella.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)