One of the biggest stocks of smuggled medicines and injections weighing over 800 kilograms has been found in an abandoned fishing hut in Kalpitiya today, Police said.
The items have been smuggled from India and was possibly ready to be transported to various parts in Sri Lanka for distribution to pharmacies and private hospitals.
The medicines and injections were hidden in the hut in Kandakuliya, along with fishing nets. The hut was abandoned as it is the off season for fishing.
The medicines and injections were sealed in polythene bags and stocked in cardboard boxes.
Some of the items had expiry dates lapsing in two years time and most of them were expensive drugs.
The raid was led by Officer in Charge of the Kalpitiya Police, CI Lakshman Ranwala.
A full investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked off fresh controversy that substandard medicines without any checks were entering the markets thereby posing a threat to the lives of patients.
Also the Pharmaceutical industry too can be affected by medicines illegally entering the country, health officials said.
PIX AND TEXT BY PADMA KUMARI KANKANAMGE
The United States has told Sri Lanka that the disposition of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew is a matter for Colombo to resolve under its own laws and international obligations, while signalling it is in active talks with Sri Lanka to contain Iran’s threat to US interests.
The government today granted permission for an Iranian warship with 208 on board to enter the country.
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