Uva drug ring used “Trump–Putin” codes, WhatsApp to mask trade

By Prasad Rukmal

Colombo, May 26 (Daily Mirror) - Investigations have revealed that the group allegedly used WhatsApp messages, mobile location sharing, and coded identities such as “Trump” and “Putin,” along with images of the U.S. and Russian presidents, to coordinate drug distribution and conceal communications. Payments were reportedly made via an e-cash system.

Keppetipola Police said today (26) that 24 suspects involved in heroin and “ice” trafficking across the Uva Province were arrested in the Hakgala area along with drugs valued at around Rs. 1.5 million.

Police said the suspects, aged between 20 and 40 and residents of Nuwara Eliya, Hawa Eliya, Ambagasdowa, Welimada, Lunuwatta and Hali Ela, were found in possession of 24 grams of heroin and 6 grams of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”).

Two main suspects, aged 28 and 48 from Nuwara Eliya and Welimada, were identified as key traffickers. Police said they were found with 4 grams and 200 milligrams of heroin, and 1,060 milligrams of heroin respectively.

One of the main suspects was arrested in the Keppetipola area, while the other was taken into custody following information revealed during subsequent investigations. Based on further interrogations, 22 additional suspects believed to be drug users were also arrested, police said.

Police further said that a suspect based in Dubai is believed to have directed the operation, while the two main suspects allegedly distributed drugs to areas including Badulla, Bandarawela, Hali Ela, Welimada and Ella using passenger bus routes.

The operation is being conducted under the supervision of Senior DIG Uva Province Mahesh Senaratne, DIG Badulla District Laksiri Wijesena, Bandarawela Senior SP A.A.R.P. Amarasinghe, ASPs Ruwan Fernando and I.M.A. Udayakumara, Keppetipola OIC Inspector Thusitha Kumara, and a team of police officers. Further investigations are continuing.