Haul of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and fishing trawlers seized by the Navy after successful operation in high seas escorted to Dikovita fisheries harbour

The haul of heroin and crystal methamphetamine worth approximately Rs. 6,000 million along with the suspects and fishing vessels in connection to it, seized after a successful naval operation in high seas about 600 nautical miles (1111km) away from Sri Lankan shores, were escorted to Dikovita fisheries harbour this morning (05^th March 2020).

Based on intelligence information received from the Police Narcotic Bureau, the Navy deployed its Offshore Patrol Vessels ‘Samudura’ and ‘Sayurala’ on a long drug-busting mission over a period of a month. Accordingly, 02 Sri Lankan fishing vessels with over 75 kilograms of drugs believed to be heroin and 66 kilograms of substance believe to be ICE drug (crystal methamphetamine) were intercepted in Southern seas along with 04 suspects.

During further investigation subsequent to this event, a vessel without Flag State was initially seized by Navy, for suspiciously remaining in high seas, to supply narcotics to Sri Lankan vessels at sea in the guise of fishing vessels. On suspicion of this ghost vessel it was inspected and based on information received from it a similar vessel without Flag State in high seas was intercepted after a four day long mission. As these suspicious vessels were further searched, 329 packages believed to be heroin and another 50 packets believed to be ICE drug were found. During the overall operation it was able to seize 400 kg of drugs believed to be heroin (in 397 packets) and 100kg of substance believed to be ICE drug (in 100 packets). This remains to be the biggest haul of narcotics seized in an operation at sea till date. On successful completion of this naval operation, the haul of heroin along with the suspects and fishing vessels in connection to the event were escorted to Dikovita fisheries harbour this morning (05^th March 2020).

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva and a group of senior officers from the Police Narcotic Bureau were also present on this occasion. Meanwhile, the Police Narcotic Bureau will be conducting further investigation in to the 21 suspects, vessels and drugs seized during this operation.