Tangalle Drug Haul to Undergo Forensic Analysis

COLOMBO (News 1st); Authorities are set to present the narcotics discovered floating in the seas off Tangalle to the Government Analyst for forensic examination.

The analysis will confirm the composition and authenticity of the seized substances, according to police sources.

The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) stated that further investigations are underway to identify those responsible for handing over the consignment to a trawler at sea.

Three suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident and will be handed over to the PNB for questioning.

The operation, conducted jointly by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Special Task Force, uncovered 51 floating sacks in the ocean, which were brought ashore at the Tangalle fisheries harbour. 

The haul weighed approximately 839 kilograms, comprising:

Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice): 670 kg
Heroin: 156 kg
Hashish: Over 12 kg

Preliminary investigations suggest the consignment belongs to a major drug trafficker operating in the Southern Province.

Senior police officials revealed that the narcotics were transported in four boats, which later disabled communication systems before entering Sri Lankan waters. 

It is believed that the traffickers, fearing intensified security operations, dumped the drugs into the sea before fleeing.

The seized narcotics have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation, as authorities work to dismantle the network behind one of the largest drug seizures in recent times.