Police Open Fire At Suspected Drug Transport Van

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Police opened fire at van after driver allegedly fails to comply with orders to stop in Udugampola, Gampaha. 

The incident occurred following information received by the Western Province Intelligence Division that drugs were being distributed in the Gampaha area using a van.

Police officers pursued the van in a police jeep and the driver, who was reportedly unaware that he was being pursued by police, stopped the van by the roadside near Malwatta Junction in the Udugampola Road.

When police officers approached the van to inspect it, the driver allegedly drove the vehicle back and forth several times, colliding with several vehicles on the road while attempting to flee.

Police subsequently opened fire at the van. The driver, who sustained gunshot injuries, was arrested and admitted to the Gampaha Hospital for treatment.

The Weliweriya Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.