Two vessels with drugs and weapons brought to Dikowita harbour

Two multi-day fishing vessels suspected of transporting narcotics and weapons in international waters south of Sri Lanka have been brought to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Ten suspects who were aboard the vessels were also taken into custody by the Navy.

The vessels were intercepted during a special operation carried out in international waters south of the island using long-range naval ships.

During the search, Navy personnel discovered a large quantity of sacks suspected to contain narcotics in one of the vessels, with the haul estimated to exceed 600 kilograms.

The Navy also recovered eight pistols with magazines, two T-56 assault rifles and one M16 firearm from the same vessel.

The M16 rifle is reportedly a weapon typically used only by specialised members of security forces.

Authorities suspect that the second fishing vessel had been accompanying the main vessel to provide surveillance and assistance.

The suspects, reported to be from the Southern Province, along with the two vessels were brought to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour this morning.

Officials said the seizure is believed to be the largest narcotics haul taken into Navy custody so far this year. (Newswire)

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