Navy assists apprehension of 3 suspects with Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 26 million

A special operation conducted by the Navy and Mannar Police in Muddalampiddi, Mulankavil yesterday (18) led to the apprehension of 3 suspects with over 89 kg of Kerala cannabis.

As an extension of anti-drug operations conducted by Sri Lanka Navy, the North Central Naval Command carried out this operation with the assistance of Mannar Police in Muddalampiddi area yesterday. During the operation, the raiding party had searched a suspicious truck at Sippiaru Bridge and found over 89 kg of Kerala cannabis, in 5 gunny sacks, being smuggled in the vehicle. Incidentally, three suspects in the truck, involved in the racket, were arrested along with the Kerala cannabis stock and the truck used for this illegal act.

It is believed that the street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is over Rs. 26 million. The suspects held during the operation were residents of Vavuniya and Nanattan, from 26 to 44 years of age.

The operation was conducted adhering to health and safety protocols in place for the prevention of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the accused together with Kerala cannabis and the truck were handed over to the Mannar Police for onward legal action. (www.navy.lk)