The internal structure of the Sri Lankan underworld has been shaken following the arrest of Shiran Basik and Alto Dharme, two of the main figures involved in large-scale organized crime and drug trafficking, by security forces in Dubai.
These two notorious traffickers, who had long considered Dubai a safe haven, were arrested following a series of unique and unexpected operations carried out by the country’s police authorities.
The following is an analysis of the sensitive information currently emerging regarding these arrests and the events behind the scenes.
600,000 Dirham ‘Undiyal’ Scam and Hotel Conflict: How Shiran Basik Was Arrested
Shiran Basik, a major drug trafficker who allegedly operated a large narcotics network in Sri Lanka, was first arrested by Dubai security forces about three weeks ago. In Dubai, he had presented himself as a legitimate businessman who owned several jewellery stores. Having previously been acquitted by Sri Lankan courts, he had left the country without legal restrictions, and his clean record in Dubai had worked strongly in his favour.
However, according to underworld sources, Dubai Police arrested him while he was attempting to transfer 600,000 dirhams to Iran through the illegal “Undiyal” money transfer system. Reports claim that he was later released after allegedly providing information about another underworld operative known as “Pigeon Sudda.”
Subsequently, Pigeon Sudda was also arrested by security forces.
Following the money laundering investigation, Shiran Basik was again taken into custody after reportedly becoming involved in a serious argument and confrontation with another individual at a leading hotel in Dubai. Given the UAE’s strict laws regarding public disturbances, the incident subjected him to further scrutiny, and he is currently being held under the full custody of Dubai security authorities.
Alto Dharma Arrested Accidentally During a Separate Police Operation
The arrest of Alto Dharma, another organized criminal figure and large-scale drug trafficker, is said to have occurred accidentally. Dubai Police had reportedly been pursuing another powerful criminal linked to the Colombo underworld who was already a key target of Sri Lankan security agencies.
While monitoring a location frequently visited by the suspect, Dubai Police surrounded the premises and detained several individuals who were present at the scene. During identity verification procedures, officers discovered that one of those detained was Alto Dharma, who had long been wanted by Sri Lankan Police and was also subject to an international Red Notice.
At the same time, his wife and two children were also taken into custody by Dubai authorities. This unexpected arrest has reportedly brought Alto Dharma’s criminal background and international warrants back under the attention of Dubai law enforcement agencies.
Serious Impact on Sri Lanka’s Underworld Network
As officially reported yesterday (May 26, 2026), in addition to Shiran Basik and Alto Dharma, between 10 and 15 other Sri Lankan drug traffickers and underworld operatives have reportedly been arrested by security forces in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Security analysts describe the operation as a major blow to Sri Lanka’s organized crime and narcotics network. The latest crackdown signals that Dubai can no longer be considered a “safe zone” for Sri Lankan criminals seeking refuge abroad.
Analysts further point out that these arrests are likely to disrupt several money laundering operations and illicit financial channels linked to drug trafficking networks operating in Sri Lanka. They also believe the arrests have created panic within the underworld, as many criminal figures are now reportedly more concerned about their own safety and survival than continuing their violent activities in Sri Lanka.
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