Navy seizes Kerala cannabis worth more than Rs. 68 million street value in northern seas

Sri Lanka Navy managed to recover a stock of Kerala cannabis weighing about 227kg and 400g (including packages), during a special operation carried out in seas off Aliyaweli, Vettalakeni this morning (05th September 2021).

Having spotted a suspicious dinghy heading ashore from Aliyaweli sea area, the Northern Naval Command launched this special operation this morning (05th September) deploying the Inshore Patrol Craft P166 attached to the command. The operation led to the recovery of an abandoned stock of Kerala cannabis in a dinghy at the beach. The consignment full of 05 sacks left behind by smugglers as a result of the naval operation, included Kerala cannabis weighing around 227kg and 400g (including packages), contained in 100 packages.

It is believed that the gross street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis seized by the Navy is over Rs. 68 million.

The operation was carried out in compliance with COVID-19 protocols in effect, to arrest the transmission of the pandemic and the haul of cannabis recovered in that was set on fire and destroyed. The dinghy had been detained in naval custody until it is produced for onward legal proceedings.

The Navy will continue to patrol the seas around the island to curb illegal activities of this nature taking place via sea routes and conduct special operations, even in the face of the current epidemic situation.