Heroin worth billions seized by Navy south of Dondra

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy seized 219 kg of heroin valued over Rs. 4500 Mn on the high seas after intercepting a local multiday fishing trawler.

Based on intelligence information received from the State Intelligence Service, the Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation and intercepted a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler on high seas about 292 nautical miles (about 540 km) south of Dondra, by deploying SLNS Vijayabahu.

"The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler with over 219 kg (including packages) of heroin and 05 suspects aboard were escorted this morning (24th October 2023) to the port of Colombo," said the Navy.
 
Upon being brought ashore, the suspicious trawler underwent thorough search this morning (24th October), where 200 packages of heroin, weighing around 219 kg and 634 g (including packages), contained in 09 sacks were seized by authorities. 

Moreover, the drug-carrying fishing trawler and suspects aboard were also taken into custody.

The street value of the seized consignment of drugs weighing around 219 kg and 634 g held in this operation is believed to be over Rs. 4500 million.  

The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of Kudawella, Tissamaharama, Koottagoda and Mamadala areas, from 30 to 48 years of age. 

The suspects along with the stock of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Navy paid a visit to SLNS Vijayabahu today (24th October) and spoke to the naval personnel involved in the recent drug seizure. He commended the crew for their unwavering commitment to the success of this anti-drug mission.