Five excise officers arrested by CID

Colombo, Oct. 30 (Daily Mirror) - Five officers attached to the Narcotics Control Unit of the Department of Excise have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the theft of Rs. 102 million from two gold jewelry shops in Colombo.

According to police, the suspects—an inspector and four corporals—had visited the shops on Sea Street, posing as officers conducting an official raid. They allegedly seized the cash and later filed a court case accusing the shop owners of possessing illegal cigarettes.

Investigations revealed that the officers had subsequently returned Rs. 50 million of the stolen amount. The suspects were taken into custody upon arrival at the CID to provide statements and were later produced in court.

All five were remanded until November 7, while further investigations are underway to determine whether additional individuals were involved, police said.