Kerala cannabis valued Rs. 75 million seized in Pesalai

A search operation conducted by the Navy off Pesalai, Mannar on 06th September 2024 resulted in the seizure of 05 sacks of Kerala cannabis weighing over 188 kilograms (wet weight).

SLNS Thammanna of the North Central Naval Command, utilizing Inshore Patrol Craft P 151, conducted this search operation off Pesalai. During the mission, 05 suspicious sacks containing Kerala cannabis, weighing approximately 188kg and 325g (wet weight), were discovered drifting in the water. Accordingly, the Navy took the recovered sacks into its custody.

It is suspected that smugglers might have abandoned the stock of Kerala cannabis, as a result of naval presence in the area. The gross street value of Kerala cannabis held in this operation is believed to be approx. Rs. 75 million.

The stock of Kerala cannabis was handed over to the Pesalai Police for onward legal proceedings.

With the latest operation, the Navy and Coast Guard have seized a total of approx 1242kg of smuggled Kerala cannabis in 2024 and all of which have been handed over to the authorities for legal proceedings.