Rs. 4 Bn worth of assets frozen from 88 individuals linked to illegal activities
- CNL Reporter
- June 16, 2025
- News
- illegal activities
- 0 Comments
Authorities have frozen assets valued at over Rs. 4 billion belonging to 88 individuals accused of amassing wealth through illegal activities, including drug trafficking, according to data released by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The extensive seizure includes more than 77 large land plots totaling over 1,500 perches, upwards of 40 houses and commercial buildings, 12 precious gemstones, over 10 kilograms of gold, a supermarket, a pharmacy, two hotels, and a soap manufacturing machine.
Over 100 vehicles, seven multi-day fishing vessels, 328 bicycles, and two traditional vallam boats have been confiscated under these measures.
Of the 26 major underworld drug traffickers, the largest share of frozen assets was attributed to an individual known as Dematagoda Ruwan — the brother of Dematagoda Chaminda, a notorious underworld figure.
According to the Illegal Assets Investigation Division, assets under Ruwan’s name amount to Rs. 666.9 million, comprising five bank accounts holding Rs. 90 million, two land plots valued at Rs. 380 million, 10 vehicles worth Rs. 200 million, 1.5 kilogrammes of gold worth over Rs. 20 million, two houses exceeding Rs. 40 million, and pawned items valued at more than Rs. 10 million.
Other prominent names on the list include well-known underworld figures such as Kudu Salindu, Kudu Roshan, Mohamed Rifkan, Weliwita Suda, Karandeniya Sudda, Ganemulla Sanjeewa, Ladiya, Kevuma, Batuwatte Chamara, Basiq, Olumara, Bathala Heen, Parei Sudda, and Kirinde Chamara.
Bathala Heen, recognized as a major cannabis trafficker, recently had assets worth Rs. 100 million frozen. Authorities also froze a further Rs. 30 million in assets registered under his wife’s name last week.
The division’s report highlights that many of these traffickers are currently abroad, with properties frequently registered under relatives’ names to evade detection. The asset freezes stem from investigations initiated in 2021 and represent a continuing effort to dismantle illicit networks.
A senior police official involved in the probe said that they will continue to expand our investigations and take necessary steps to freeze assets linked to other suspects involved in these criminal enterprises.
theleader.lk
