Navy assists apprehension of 08 suspects for possession of heroin and controlled substance

The Navy managed to apprehend 08 suspects for possession of heroin and capsules of controlled substance, during 02 search operations conducted with the assistance of the Police in Kuchchaveli and Ambalantota on 16^th July 2020.

The Navy has been conducting regular anti-drug operations island wide to wage its war on drug smuggling and protect the school children and youth from the drug menace.

As an extension of these efforts, naval personnel attached to the Southern Naval Command together with Police STF in Ambalantota conducted an operation in Walewatta area, Ambalantota and search a house on suspicion. During this operation, the security personnel managed to find 3.09g of heroin made ready to be sold. Meanwhile, 07 suspects in connection to this incident were taken into custody.

On the same day, naval personnel of the Eastern Naval Command with the assistance of the Kuchchaveli Police had conducted a search operation in Iranakeni area, Kuchchaveli. During this search, the security personnel had intercepted a suspicious motorbike and found 1,250 capsules of controlled substance (Pregabalin) in the possession of the motorcyclist. Accordingly, the rider was taken into custody, along with the stock of prescription drugs and the motorbike.

The persons apprehended in connection to these 02 incidents were identified as a residents of Ambalantota and Pulmoddai areas, from 16 to 44 years of age. Meanwhile, the 07 suspects together with heroin were handed over to the Ambalantota Police, whereas the accused with the capsules of Pregabalin was handed over to the Kuchchaveli Police for onward investigation.