14 Fishermen Arrested Over Alleged Drug Trafficking In Past Month

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Police say 14 fishermen suspected of being involved in drug trafficking were arrested during operations carried out over the past month. 

The arrests were made within Sri Lankan territorial waters during joint operations conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Sri Lanka Navy. 

Police also seized three multi-day fishing vessels along with the suspects.

Detention orders have been obtained for the arrested individuals, while further investigations are underway.

Police said the suspects have revealed that they obtained drugs from fishing vessels and transferred them to other boats.

However, authorities have so far been unable to recover any narcotics in connection with the arrests.