The Sri Lanka Navy yesterday brought to Colombo Port two local fishing vessels containing nearly 344 kilograms of heroin that were seized in international waters south of Sri Lanka. The navy also arrested 11 suspects who were on board these two vessels.
Defence Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne were also present at the Colombo harbour to inspect the apprehended consignment of narcotics.
The consignment of heroin in 309 packages, which had been stuffed in 13 sacks, weighed approx. 343kg 456g (including packages). The street value of the seized consignment of illegal drugs is believed to be over Rs. 3400 million, according to the Navy.
The seized stock of heroin together with the suspects and local fishing trawlers were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) for onward legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Navy and PNB are conducting further investigation into this incident.
Pix by Priyanka Samaraweera
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Customs have detected 228 mobile phones and tabs valued at over Rs 30 million left behind in the duty free shopping complex at the Banaranaike International Airport today, Customs officials said.
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