The Navy’s operations in 2023 yielded impressive results, bringing to justice 343 persons, both local and foreign, involved in a wide array of illegal acts such as smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs, and contraband as well as apprehending those involved in human smuggling.
The Navy consistently carries out successful operations to address an assortment of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, within the ocean region.
The Navy has been collaborating closely with the Sri Lanka Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, State Intelligence Service and Police STF, actively sharing information during anti-drug operations. In operations conducted in 2023, significant quantities of illicit substances were seized, including over 715Kgs of heroin, over 3711 Kgs of Kerala cannabis, over 50kgs of local cannabis, more than 140 Kgs of hashish and more than 11 Kgs of Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice). In addition, 92,572 plants of local cannabis were also destroyed during these operations.
Additionally, 187 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking have been apprehended. Among them are 18 individuals with local fishing trawlers, five Iranian suspects with an Iranian dhow, three Pakistani suspects, and six Indian suspects operating with two Indian fishing trawlers.
These apprehensions have led to the initiation of further legal proceedings against the suspects, upon their apprehension.
Also, the Navy has apprehended eight suspects attempting to sell 191 bottles of foreign liquor as well as 41,380 illegal cigarettes, 1,016,755 prescription drugs and 2,642 ‘Madana Modaka’ drug pills and 42 suspects in connection to those illegal acts.
Moreover, 11 elephant pearls, over 14Kgs of gold made ready to be smuggled from the country with 11 suspects and three local trawlers were held as part of the Naval operations in the year 2023.
The Navy also seized over 36910Kgs of smuggled Tendu leaves, over 878 Kgs of tobacco powder, more than 990 Kgs of turmeric, over 1267 Kgs of cardamom, 4,722 bottles and 12,907 packets of agrochemical, 45,418 cosmetic products and apprehended 60 suspects in the past year.
The Navy held one boat and five persons for their involvement in human smuggling.
Additionally, the Navy has apprehended one boat and nine individuals attempting illegal migration to India, as well as two boats and seven individuals attempting illegal migration from India to Sri Lanka. Upon being held, they were handed over to authorities for further legal action.
The post Naval operations last year: 343 arrested, narcotics seized appeared first on DailyNews.