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COLOMBO (News 1st): The wife of notorious drug trafficker Jayasinghe Arachchige Hemanta, also known as Bathalheen Mahaththaya, has been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with a probe into alleged money laundering and illicit asset acquisition.
The suspect, identified as Vitaranage Shiromala Priyadarshani, 50, of Thanamalvila, Hambegamuwa, had a bank balance of Rs. 1.75 billion, which was uncovered during the investigation.
The assets acquired through alleged money laundering include:
- Pharmaceutical Business: A pharmaceutical shop operated by the suspect in front of the Embilipitiya hospital, valued at over Rs. 30 million, has been shut down.
- Hotel: A hotel worth approximately Rs. 70 million, located near Chandrika Lake in Embilipitiya, has also been closed.
- Commercial Properties: Four business premises located on Middheniya Veerakethiya Road have been sealed off.
The suspect's husband, Jayasinghe Arachchige Hemanta, 52, was previously arrested and remanded.