Airport security guard with suspected underworld links arrested with weapons cache

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A 45-year-old security guard employed at Bandaranaike International Airport, believed to have ties to underworld gangs, was arrested on Friday (15) after police discovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition at a house in Minuwangoda.   

The suspect, a resident of the area and a former president of an airport trade union, was arrested during a raid on a house near the Minuwangoda Hospital, following a tip-off.  Police believe the location was being used by underworld criminals to store weapons after carrying out violent crimes. 

Recovered items include a T-56 assault rifle with a magazine, 14 rounds of T-56 ammunition, a pistol with a magazine, nine 2.5mm rounds, nine 9mm rounds, two imitation firearms (a pistol and a revolver), three swords, and two daggers.   

It was reported that the suspect is suspected of maintaining close ties with an underworld gang, and police believe the weapons may have been used in several recent shootings.   

Minuwangoda Police are conducting investigations and are expected to question the suspect further under a detention order.