World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Suspected drug trafficker 'Ran Malli' arrested in Bulgaria
Bulgarian authorities have arrested Charith Sandakelum, alias 'Ran Malli', a key suspect in major drug trafficking and organised crime operations linked to Sri Lanka. The arrest was made following an INTERPOL Red Notice and international cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Charith Sandakelum, known by the alias 'Ran Malli', has been apprehended by Bulgarian security authorities in a significant development in international law enforcement efforts against organised crime networks operating from Sri Lanka.
The arrest was confirmed by Sri Lanka's Inspector-General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, who stated that INTERPOL had verified the detention. Bulgarian border security and law enforcement agencies acted on an INTERPOL Red Notice issued against the suspect, leading to his capture.
Sandakelum is believed to be a central figure in large-scale drug trafficking operations and organised crime activities with connections to Sri Lanka. The case represents a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts by regional and international authorities to dismantle criminal networks engaged in narcotics smuggling and related offences.
The arrest underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation frameworks and INTERPOL's role in tracking fugitives across borders. Local authorities are expected to pursue extradition proceedings and further investigate Sandakelum's alleged criminal networks.