Two suspects with Kerala cannabis valued over Rs. 82 million arrested in Pitipana, Negombo

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police on 09 Apr 25 in Pitipana, Negombo and Keselwatta, Colombo led to the interception of a lorry and a car for smuggling about 205kg and 958g of Kerala cannabis and arrest of 02 suspects.

The coordinated search operation mounted by SLNS Kelani in the Western Naval Command in coordination with the Dungalpitiya Police in Pitipana had resulted in the interception of a suspicious freezer truck in which approx. 187kg and 875g of Kerala cannabis stuffed in 05 sacks were recovered. The authorities also arrested 02 suspects in connection to this incident.

In the meantime, a subsequent search carried out in Keselwatta area made way for the recovery of 09 parcels of Kerala cannabis, weighing around 18kg and 83g from a car believed to be connected to the same smuggling attempt.

The gross street value of seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be more than Rs. 82 million.

The suspects arrested in connection to this incident were identified as residents of Mannar, aged 35 and 42. The suspects along with the stock of Kerala cannabis and vehicles were handed over to the Dungalpitiya Police for onward legal action.