August 31, Colombo (LNW): Three officials from the Excise Department stationed in Chankanai have been arrested following allegations that they attempted to extort a bribe of Rs. 2 million while falsely presenting themselves as agents of the Narcotics Control Bureau.

The arrests were made by the Northern Province Crimes Division after a covert operation was launched based on a tip-off received by its commanding officer. The sting took place on the evening of August 29, and culminated in the apprehension of the three suspects.

According to investigators, the incident began when the excise officers intercepted a man in possession of heroin along the Mathagal coastline. Instead of following standard procedure, the officers allegedly misrepresented themselves as narcotics bureau officials and transported the suspect to the Excise Department premises in Chankanai.

Once at the office, the officers are reported to have used the detainee’s mobile phone to contact his sister. During the call, they allegedly issued a demand for Rs. 2 million in exchange for his release—suggesting that charges could be made to disappear if the money was paid promptly.

Suspicious of the nature of the request, the sister reached out to the head of the Northern Province Crimes Division. Authorities swiftly initiated a sting operation to verify the claims, which ultimately led to the dramatic arrest of the officers involved.

The suspects, identified by police as a 48-year-old Chief Excise Officer and two Excise Inspectors aged 36 and 32, are now in custody and are expected to face formal legal proceedings in the coming days.