Over 300kg of heroin and ICE seized

About 325kg of narcotics worth over Rs. 6200 million have been seized in the seas off Dodanduwa, Galle.

A joint operation conducted by the Navy along with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, State Intelligence Service (SIS) and Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) on Tuesday evening resulted in the finding of the narcotics inside a local multi-day fishing vessel. 

The Navy said about 300kg of substance suspected to be heroin and about 25kg of drugs suspected to be crystal methamphetamine (ICE) were seized and 11 suspects along with a dinghy, a cab, and a three-wheeler in connection to the incident were taken into custody.

Based on information received from SIS, the Navy and Coast Guard engaged in a two-week-long operation covering the island and international waters. 

The drug-carrying multi-day fishing trawler ventured out to sea from Beruwala fishery harbour on March 26. According to the Navy, the consignment of illegal narcotics has been taken from smugglers in international waters with the intention of smuggling them into the country. 

The gross street value of the seized consignment of illegal drugs is believed to be over Rs. 6200 million. The suspects, between 23 and 36 years of age are residents of Hikkaduwa, Boossa, Kalawana, Berillawatte and Moragoda.