Police have launched multiple investigations into the assets and alleged criminal network of suspected drug kingpin Shiran Basik following his deportation from the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka.
Police Media Spokesperson SSP F.U. Wootler said several police stations and specialised units were investigating separate allegations against the 48-year-old Dehiwela resident, including drug trafficking, firearms offences and the accumulation of assets allegedly through organised criminal activities.
Investigators have uncovered information about properties allegedly owned by Basik in Wellawatte, Boralesgamuwa and Dehiwela.
“Those who operated these properties will also be questioned,” Wootler said.
Police are also verifying information provided by Basik during questioning that he owns five hotels along Colombo’s Marine Drive.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police have sought Interpol assistance to obtain information on properties and other assets allegedly held by Basik in the United Arab Emirates and other countries. A report on his overseas assets has also been requested.
Basik, a 48-year-old resident of Kalubowila, Dehiwela, who is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, had reportedly been arrested by UAE authorities after photographs and video footage of drones and missiles used by Iran in attacks on the UAE during the recent Iran-US conflict were found on his mobile phone.
The United States had also reportedly sought his handover for further investigations.
Basik, who migrated to the UAE in 2018, was brought back to Sri Lanka on Saturday aboard Air Arabia flight 3L708, which arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport from Abu Dhabi at around 8.48 p.m.
Police have obtained permission to detain and question him for 72 hours.
The Police Narcotics Bureau, Dehiwela Police and Mount Lavinia Police are investigating drug-trafficking allegations involving Basik.
Mount Lavinia and Dehiwela Police are separately investigating allegations concerning the possession of firearms, while Piliyandala Police are probing allegations relating to the possession of dangerous and sharp weapons.
The Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau is also questioning Basik over his assets and alleged drug-trafficking activities.
Police said investigators were also examining whether Basik had any connection to recent clashes in prisons.
Investigations have further uncovered information allegedly linking him to the 2012 Welikada Prison riot, according to police.
Police said further investigations into Basik’s alleged illegally acquired assets and other criminal activities would be conducted under the orders and instructions of the Inspector General of Police.
