A major drug trafficking suspect linked to alleged organised criminal activity in Sri Lanka, Charith Sandakelum, alias Ran Malli, has been arrested in Bulgaria, Interpol confirmed through a report by Daily Mirror. Bulgaraian security forces made the arrest based on Interpol Red Notices and information in border security databases. Arrangements are now being made through Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring Sandakelum back under extradition laws. Sandakelum, a resident of Dikwella, is suspected of directing a local drug trafficking network while living in Dubai for an extended period. He is also identified as a key member of a drug syndicate allegedly operated by Nadun Chinthaka, alias Harak Kata, who is currently detained at Tangalle Prison. Police said Sandakelum was arrested while attempting to enter Europe using forged documents to evade international law enforcement. Following extradition, the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Department are expected to carry out extensive investigations into his alleged involvement in the Kirinda Ice drug smuggling operation, money laundering and other organised criminal activities. One major case tied to Sandakelum involves the seizure of 345 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine from Kirinda in November 2025. The consignment, valued at more than Rs. 300 million, was seized during a joint operation involving the Western North Crime Division, the Tangalle Crime Division and the PNB at Andagalawella beach on November 12. Investigators identified Sandakelum, reportedly in Dubai at the time, as the alleged owner, and said he instructed suspects to transport drugs to different parts of the country, allegedly paying Rs. 500,000 each. Eight suspects and six vehicles were taken into custody, and the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court granted seven-day detention orders. Sandakelum is also named as a key suspect in a money laundering probe involving Rs. 13.9 million in suspected drug proceeds found buried at a rented house in Kottawa in July 2021. His nephew, Dinesh Lakmal, was arrested after investigators said he was assigned to oversee financial operations. Intelligence reports also linked Sandakelum to a deep-sea trafficking operation in 2022, when 331 kilogrammes of heroin were seized from the sea near the Great Basses Reef off Hambantota. The seizure involved the Sri Lanka Navy, the Police Special Task Force and the PNB, with investigators reportedly identifying Sandakelum as the alleged mastermind. Sandakelum is currently under arrest in Bulgaria as extradition arrangements proceed through Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with further investigations expected after his return.