Navy seizes over 164kg of Kerala cannabis

The Navy seized a stock of drugs belonging to the category of Kerala cannabis, during a special operation conducted in the sea area south of Mandaitivu, Jaffna on 16^th July 2020.

The Navy has been vigilant over drugs being smuggled into the island via sea routes. Accordingly, under the supervision of Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Northern Naval Area, a group of naval personnel attached to the Northern Naval Command had conducted a special operation in the sea area south of Mandaitivu. During the operation the naval personnel had spotted a suspicious dinghy and found over 164kg of Kerala cannabis in small packages concealed in the dinghy. Accordingly, the stock of Kerala cannabis, the dinghy and 02 suspects aboard were taken into naval custody.

The apprehended persons were identified as residents of Jaffna. The stock of cannabis along with the accused and the dinghy was handed over to the Police Special Task Force, Jaffna for further investigation.

The Navy has been able to seize over 3,376kg of Kerala cannabis during its operations conducted in the past months this year.

Meanwhile, the haul of Kerala cannabis, rest of the items and suspects were taken into naval custody by following proper hygiene and decontamination procedures due to COVID – 19 global pandemic.