Navy seizes about 120kg of Kerala cannabis in Mannar seas

The Navy seized a dinghy carrying a stock of Kerala cannabis weighing about 120kg, during a patrol conducted in the seas south of Mannar on 15^th April 2020. Three (03) suspects in connection to the smuggling of cannabis were also taken into naval custody.

Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations to curb drugs being smuggled via sea routes. During a similar operation, SLNS Mihikatha on patrol in the seas south of Mannar had spotted a fast moving suspicious dinghy. Subsequently, the Navy ship pursued the suspicious dinghy which raced off, ignoring Navy’s orders and spotted several parcels were thrown overboard. Thereupon, with the assistance of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Samaraksha, those parcels were salvaged and the suspicious dinghy was taken into naval custody. During further investigation about 120kg of Kerala cannabis being recovered in 05 parcels.

Along with the suspects the suspicious dinghy, a GPS, an outboard motor and several other equipment were also held by the Navy. The accused were identified as residents of Kalpitiya area. The suspects together with the stock of cannabis, dinghy and other equipment were handed over to the Mannar Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.