16 People Linked To South-based Drug Ring Held Under Detention Orders

COLOMBO (News 1st); Detention orders have been obtained for 16 suspects arrested in a series of major drug raids conducted along the shorelines of Tangalle and Galle in recent days.

Police said that further investigations are being handled by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).

Five suspects were taken into custody in connection with the recent discovery of 839 kilograms of drugs found floating in 51 sacks in the Tangalle sea area.

Subsequently, the Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a vessel suspected of transporting narcotics in southern waters and arresting six suspects on board.

In a separate operation, the Navy recovered over 53 kilograms of heroin from a multi-day fishing trawler intercepted in international waters south of Sri Lanka last Friday, leading to the arrest of five fishermen.