Six suspects involved in trafficking drugs via sea arrested by Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy yesterday handed over six suspects arrested mid-sea, to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) with a haul of drugs seized from them, officials said.

During a special operation on the high seas on Thursday, the six suspects were arrested and a local multi-day fishing trawler, believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotics was seized.

Subsequently, the intercepted trawler was brought to Dikkowita Harbour, where a thorough inspection was carried out with the assistance of Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) experts, leading to uncover approximately 77kg and 484g of heroin and 42kg and 334g of methamphetamine (Ice).

The consignment, which had been meticulously hidden in the trawler, was handed over to the PNB for onward legal action on Saturday.

The Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda conducted an inspection of the seized haul of narcotics at Dikkowita Harbour.

During the visit, he commended the naval personnel and other stakeholders involved in the operation, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring its successful execution.

Speaking on this occasion, the Commander of the Navy credited reliable information from international and local sources, along with collaborative efforts, for the Navy’s successful high-sea drug raid.