Close Associate of Underworld Figure Kehelbaddara Padme Detained for 90 Days

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Western Province North Crimes Division informed court that a suspect known as Dissanayake Devage Dissanayake, alias 'Pasdewa', believed to be a close associate of organized criminal Kehelbaddara Padme who was arrested in Indonesia, is being held for 90 days for questioning.

The Crimes Division told Colombo Additional Magistrate H.D.D.J. Premaratne that the suspect is being detained and interrogated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, with the approval of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. 

A ‘B’ report was also filed in court regarding the suspect.

Police further informed court that 'Pasdewa' is not only linked to underworld activity but is also engaged in drug trafficking as an associate of Kehelbaddara Padme.

Investigators told court that during interrogations, 'Pasdewa' had revealed information leading to the discovery of 440 grams of narcotics and several live bullets hidden in a hotel in Gampola, which had reportedly been owned by Kehelbaddara Padme.