Four arrested in Peradeniya following theft of explosives from Mawanella

Explosives, ammonium nitrate, detonators and other material stolen from the Mawanella quarry were found in the possession of three suspects by the Police 

• DIG Rohana says contrary to some ill-informed reports, no evidence that points to any extremist intent regarding this theft of explosives has been found yet

By Asiri Fernando

 The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last weekend arrested three suspects and recovered a stockpile of explosives following the theft at a quarry in Molligoda, Mawanella, on 22 December 2020. 

According to the Police, the theft was reported to them on 23 December. Fifteen kilograms of ammonium nitrate, six sticks of locally manufactured ‘water-gel’ explosives, 20 detonators, and equipment used to detonate explosives had been stolen from the quarry. All the stolen explosives and related equipment have been found, the Police said. 

“The owner of the quarry had made a complaint to the Mawanella Police Station on 23 December. The investigation was later handed over to the CID on the advice of the Inspector General of Police,” Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said. 

According to DIG Rohana, the complainant had suspected that one of the employees of the quarry was involved in the theft, resulting in the Mawanella Police arresting one suspect, a resident of Peradeniya. 

The CID investigation had led to the arrest of the other three suspects, also residents of Peradeniya, and the recovery of the stolen stock of explosives. The four suspects will be produced before the Mawanella Magistrate Court today. “The CID is continuing to investigate the matter. Contrary to some ill-informed reports, no evidence that points to any extremist intent regarding this theft of explosives has been found yet,” DIG Rohana said. The four suspects will be charged with theft and illegal possession of explosives, DIG Rohana added.