Charith Sandakelum, alias ‘Ran Malli’, a drug trafficking suspect, has been arrested in Bulgaria, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya said.
The IGP said Interpol had confirmed the arrest, which Bulgarian security forces made on the basis of Interpol Red Notices and border security databases. Arrangements are being made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring him back to Sri Lanka under extradition laws.
Sandakelum, a resident of Dikwella, is suspected of directing a local drug network while living in Dubai. Police have linked him to the 345 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, known as ‘Ice’, seized at Kirinda in November 2025, according to police investigations.
He is also a suspect in a money laundering investigation. These are allegations, and no court has made any finding against him.
After his extradition, the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Department are expected to investigate his alleged role in these matters.
