Sri Lanka, Feb. 5 -- Police have launched an investigation after an audio recording surfaced on social media, capturing a group phone conversation between four prominent underworld figures currently residing overseas discussing their future plans, criminal activities and drug trafficking.

The 22-minute conversation reportedly involved criminals Russel Smith, French Ruban, England's Kudu Lal and 'Welle Saranga' exchanging ideas and strategies.

During the phone call, Russel Smith allegedly made a threatening statement about mobilizing local accomplices to target citizens of the United Arab Emirates arriving in Sri Lanka, due to the treatment of 'Welle Saranga' by Dubai authorities.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission...