The Police at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) apprehended a suspect believed to be the chief operator of the notorious drug racketeer Harak Kata's operation in Sri Lanka.

The suspect was intercepted by law enforcement officials while attempting to leave the country.

The arrest comes as a major development  in the efforts to dismantle the drug network operated by Harak Kata, a well-known figure in the illicit drug trade.

Following the arrest, the Matara Magistrate's Court issued orders for the suspect to be detained and interrogated for a period of seven days.