Shocking Theft: Five Excise Officers Remanded Over Rs. 102 Million Heist in Colombo

Colombo: Five officers belonging to the Excise Department’s Anti-Narcotics Bureau have been remanded after being arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the alleged theft of a staggering Rs. 102 million (Ten Crore Twenty Lakhs) from a business located on Sea Street, Colombo.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Mr. Lahiru Silva ordered the suspects to be produced for an Identification Parade (ID Parade) on the 6th of next month and further remanded them until the 7th of next month, pending further investigations.

The CID informed the court that the officers were taken into custody this afternoon. The arrests came after the suspects reported to provide a statement regarding the major theft, which had reportedly occurred five days earlier at the Sea Street establishment. The CID requested the court to remand the suspects, emphasizing the need for continued investigations into their alleged involvement.

The suspects, who were presented to the court under cover, faced strong opposition from the defence.

Defence Challenges Prosecution's Claims

President’s Counsel Mr. Anuja Premaratne, representing the arrested officers, strongly contested the prosecution's narrative, asserting that the facts presented were entirely inadmissible.

Mr. Premaratne also highlighted a delay in the legal proceedings, noting that the complainant had taken "several days" to file the police complaint. This delay, he pointed out, was despite the prosecution’s alleged claim that a portion of the purportedly stolen money had been returned by the suspects.

The case has attracted significant attention, underscoring questions surrounding the conduct of officers within the Anti-Narcotics Bureau. The CID is currently conducting further inquiries. (NewsCenter)