Navy seizes trawler with over 245 kg heroin, ICE valued over Rs. 3,190 million

The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler carrying narcotics, around 28 nautical miles (50km) west of Hikkaduwa. Acting on coordinated intelligence efforts by the Navy, Police Narcotics Bureau and other intelligence services, a Fast Attack Craft intercepted the suspicious fishing trawler. Upon being escorted to the Galle harbour last morning (5), it was inspected in coordination with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and over 245 kg (including packages) of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and heroin valued over Rs.3,190 million recovered from the trawler. Six suspects involved in the illegal narcotics smuggling attempt were also arrested.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.
Pictures by Ravindra Liyanage

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera inspected the seized consignment at the Galle harbour yesterday.

The Navy is actively engaged in anti-drug operations across the country’s maritime zones and is closely collaborating with law enforcement agencies to conduct regular operations in pursuit of this objective.

The special operation was a result of coordinated intelligence efforts by the Naval Intelligence, Police Narcotics Bureau and other intelligence services.

During search of the trawler by the Navy with Coast Guard this morning, about 189kg and 388g (including packages) of Ice in 130 parcels and around 55kg and 648g (including packages) of heroin in 48 packages were found stuffed in eight sacks. The Navy apprehended six Sri Lankan nationals aboard the fishing trawler.

The street value of the seized drugs is believed to be more than Rs.3,190 million.

The suspects, aged between 28 to 66 years and hailing from Galle, Beruwala and Galgamuwa areas, the consignment of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler held in this operation was handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for legal action.The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with intelligence services, plays a pivotal role under Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs, continuing operations to apprehend drug smugglers.

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