Heroin, ‘Ice’ worth over Rs. 3.1bn recovered from intercepted fishing vessel
Posted on January 5th, 2024
Courtesy Adaderana
Approximately 245kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) were recovered from the multi-day fishing trawler intercepted off the southern coast of the island, Sri Lanka Navy says.
A multi-day fishing trawler carrying a massive cache of drugs was intercepted on Thursday night (Jan.05) in a coordinated operation mounted by the Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).
Six locals aboard the vessel, which was at sea about 28 nautical miles (50km) west of Hikkaduwa, were also apprehended during the operation.
The estimated value of the narcotics consignment stands above Rs. 3,190 million. It contained over 189kg of ‘Ice’ stuffed into 130 parcels and 48 packages with more than 55kg of heroin.
Upon being impounded, the trawler, along with the drug haul and the suspects, has been brought ashore to the Galle Harbour this morning (Jan.05).
The suspects, aged between 28 to 66 years, were identified as residents of Galle, Beruwala and Galgamuwa areas.
Further investigations into the incident are being carried out by the Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau.