Navy takes hold of Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 44 million in northern waters

A special search operation conducted by the Navy off Valvettithurai, Jaffna in the dark hours of 09th April 2023 led to the recovery of more than 134kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis adrift in waters.

The Navy keeps a round-the-clock vigil in the coastal and sea areas of the island with a view to prevent nefarious activities taking place via sea routes.

As an extension of these operations, an Inshore Patrol Craft attached to SLNS Uththara in the Northern Naval Command carried out the search in the sea area of Valvettithurai on 09th April and recovered 04 suspicious sacks adrift in waters. The sacks contained about 134kg and 300g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis which had been stuffed in 58 parcels.

It is suspected that smugglers might have abandoned the consignment of Kerala cannabis being unable to fetch them into the country, due to constant naval operations. Meanwhile, the gross street value of seized Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 44 million.

The stock of Kerala cannabis has been kept in the naval custody until it is handed over to authorities for onward action.