Suspect remanded for drugging and robbing former army personnel

A suspect was arrested for allegedly drugging and robbing three former Sri Lankan Army women of jewellery worth approximately Rs. 1.7 million has been remanded until the 29th of this month.

The Anuradhapura Headquarters Police Crime Investigation Division produced the suspect, a father of two from Saliyawewa, before the court.

The court ordered a progress report on investigations into similar organised crimes allegedly carried out by the suspect in various parts of the country.

According to the Anuradhapura Headquarters Police, the three women and the suspect were travelling on the back seat of a private bus from Anuradhapura to Colombo via the Ella road during the recent New Year season.

The suspect introduced himself as a Navy officer and established a friendship with the women before offering them snacks and a drink.

After consuming the beverage, all three women lost consciousness, allowing the suspect to steal their gold jewellery and flee the bus.

The victims were subsequently hospitalised.

Police launched an immediate investigation using CCTV footage and apprehended the suspect while he was staying at a hotel with another woman.

The hospital where the victims received treatment is currently working to obtain a Government Analyst’s report regarding the intoxicating substance used in the drink.