Investigations have revealed that 20 firearms issued to former Minister Douglas Devananda remain missing.
Among the missing weapons are 15 T-56 firearms and five 9mm pistols.
Investigations are also underway into more than 1,500 T-56 bullets and over 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition that were issued to the former minister.
Police stated that the firearms and ammunition were issued to Douglas Devananda in 2001. The investigation is being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The CID yesterday took steps to detain and question former Minister Douglas Devananda following his arrest.
Police said the detention was carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Douglas Devananda was arrested on December 26 when he appeared before the CID to give a statement in connection with the investigation.
Police further said that a pistol issued to Douglas Devananda by the Army in 2001 was recovered near a culvert in Weliweriya in 2019, based on information provided by organized criminal Makandure Madush.
The arrest followed a lengthy investigation conducted by the Homicides Investigation Division of the CID.