Moneragala division SSP Sisila Kumara Herath has been arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF) while transporting cannabis last night. He was also found to be in possession of a ground scanner. Herath and a woman travelling with him in a Prado jeep were arrested by the team despite the SSP's objections. Checks made by the arresting officers later found that Herath had been involved in hunting for ancient relics as well and had employed a group of six youths from Moratuwa for the purpose.

The youths were found by the STF while residing in Herath's official quarters. The STF also discovered a stock of cannabis hidden in the ceiling of the police quarters and more equipment used to hunt for relics and treasures. 

SSP Herath is said to be a close confidant of Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennekoon who recently launched a program for drug eradication and even accompanied him to meet the Asgiriya Mahanayake Thera last August to air their grievances on being blamed for the Easter Sunday Attack.