Suspect nabbed with approx. 400kg stock of Kerala cannabis

A special operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the Police STF led to the apprehension of a suspect with approx. 400kg stock of Kerala cannabis in the Kelani estuary area of Thotupalawatta, Hendala this evening (23rd February 2022).

The Navy is conducting regular search operations in the coastal areas of the island to thwart wide-ranging illegal activities including the smuggling of drugs, stemming from sea routes. In a similar operation conducted by the Navy and Police STF made way to this apprehension in the Kelani estuary area of Thotupalawatta this evening (23rd February). During the search operation, the raiding party managed to recover approx. 400kg of Kerala cannabis concealed in a one-day fishing trawler and the stock was in 185 parcels stuffed in 10 sacks. Accordingly, the consignment of narcotics, the one-day fishing trawler, a suspect in connection to this illegal act and another dinghy were taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the gross street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be about. Rs.120 million.

The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols due to the pandemic concerns. The suspect held in this operation was identified as a 31-year-old resident of Hendala. The suspect, one-day fishing trawler, dinghy and a stock of Kerala cannabis will be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for onward legal action. The Navy and Police STF are conducting further investigations in search of other suspects involved in the racket.