A suspect with Kerala cannabis valued at over Rs. 02 Mn street value held in Kalpitiya

A special search operation conducted by the Navy in the Serakkuliyamunei lagoon, Kalpitiya on 15th August 2023 led to the apprehension of a suspect (01) with over 07kg of Kerala cannabis and a dinghy.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant and actively carries out operations to curb illegal activities in its waters and coastal zones. As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Thambapanni in the Northwestern Naval Command conducted a search operation in the Serakkuliyamunei lagoon on 15th August and inspected a dinghy at the lagoon on suspicion. The search led to the recovery of about 07kg and 955g of Kerala cannabis in 04 parcels which had been concealed in the dinghy. Accordingly, Kerala cannabis, the dinghy and a suspect in connection to the incident were taken into naval custody.

Meanwhile, the gross street value of the seized Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 02 million.

The suspect held in the operation is a resident of Kalpitiya, aged 45. The suspect along with Kerala cannabis and the dinghy was handed over to the Kalpitiya Police for onward legal action.