Charith Sandakelum, alias ‘Ran Malli’, a suspect in major drug trafficking operations and organised crime in Sri Lanka, has been arrested in Bulgaria.
Inspector-General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said INTERPOL had confirmed the arrest.
Bulgarian security authorities made the arrest based on an INTERPOL Red Notice and border security data.
The IGP said steps were being taken to initiate extradition proceedings through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring him back to Sri Lanka.
Investigators suspect that the suspect, who is said to be a resident of the Dikwella area, had operated a drug trafficking network in Sri Lanka while residing in Dubai for an extended period.
He has also reportedly been identified as a key figure linked to the drug network of Nadun Chinthaka, alias ‘Harak Kata’.
‘Ran Malli’ has also been identified as a suspect in connection with the seizure of approximately 345 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice’, in the coastal area of Andagalawella, Kirinda, on 12 November 2025.
Eight suspects were arrested during that operation, and six vehicles suspected of having been used to transport the drugs were also taken into police custody. Reports at the time indicated that police investigations had raised suspicions that the consignment belonged to him.
Information about him also emerged during an investigation in July 2021 into Rs. 13.9 million reportedly buried at a rented house in the Kottawa-Pannipitiya area.
The money was suspected to have been earned through drug trafficking. His relative, Dinesh Lakmal, who had rented the house, was also reportedly arrested in connection with the investigation.
Investigators have also suspected his involvement in the seizure of 331 kilogrammes of heroin from the sea near the Great Basses Reef (Maha Ravana Kotuwa), off Hambantota, in 2022.
Following the suspect’s return to Sri Lanka from Bulgaria, the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Department are expected to conduct further investigations into his alleged drug trafficking network, money laundering and other organised criminal activities.