Navy Personnel Arrested Over Theft of T-56 Assault Rifle

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A Navy personnel has been arrested for handing over a T-56 firearm that was allegedly stolen for a third party.

The arrest was made during an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). 

Police said the suspect had handed over the firearm on the morning of November 5, after transporting it from a vessel belonging to the Kalpitiya Naval Base to a vehicle that had arrived near the base.

Another suspect has also been arrested in connection with the incident.

Following questioning, investigators recovered the firearm from a deserted plot of land in the Ranala area, where it had been concealed near a tombstone.

Police said both suspects, including the Navy personnel member, are being questioned under 72-hour detention orders.