The Sri Lanka Navy, on receipt of a tip-off, intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler carrying a large haul of narcotics, with six suspects aboard, on the high seas about 222 km off Colombo on June 24.
The operation, carried out by deploying SLNS Nandimithra, resulted in the seizure of more than 191kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE), including their packaging. Meanwhile, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera arrived at the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour yesterday (26) to inspect the consignment of narcotics brought ashore.
During the operation, a suspicious multi-day fishing trawler, which was about 222 km off the west coast of the island, was intercepted and searched by SLNS Nandimithra, resulting in the recovery of eight sacks suspected to be heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE) and apprehension of six suspects on June 24. The trawler carrying narcotics and its suspects were escorted by the Navy to shore.
During a thorough search of the trawler yesterday (26), authorities seized a consignment of heroin in 45 parcels weighing approximately 48kg and 880g (including packages) as well as crystal methamphetamine in 137 parcels weighing approximately 142kg and 184g (including packages). The gross street value of the narcotics seized in this operation is believed to exceed Rs. 2,572 million.
The individuals held in the operation are known to reside in the Chilaw, Iranawila and Thoduwawa areas, ranging in age from 25 to 68 years old. The consignment of narcotics along with the suspects and the trawler was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.
