COLOMBO, Sept. 10 -- The Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka Police has taken steps to freeze assets valued at approximately Rs100 million, allegedly acquired using proceeds from drug trafficking by a close associate of suspected international drug trafficker Shiran Basik.

The assets are alleged to have been purchased by Ranathunga Arachchige Nalin Arjuna, who is described as a close associate of Shiran Basik who is currently in remand custody.

The freezing order, which came into effect on Thursday (10), will initially remain in force for 14 days.

Police launched the action following an investigation into the source of funds used to acquire two properties in Kadawatha and Kelaniya, seeking to prevent the suspect from...