11 suspects arrested with a 296 Kg stock of drugs from the southern coastal belt

Following a successful joint operation conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Sri Lanka Navy in the southern sea belt, based on special intelligence received by the Inspector General of Police, security forces succeeded in arresting eleven suspects along with two multi-day fishing vessels that were transporting a large consignment of drugs. During this operation, carried out in the deep sea using long-range surveillance vessels belonging to the Navy, two suspicious vessels were observed, and five individuals from one vessel and six from the other were thus arrested.

After the arrested fishing vessels and suspects were brought to the Dikowita fishing harbor this morning (25), a special inspection conducted by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau revealed 270 parcels containing drugs, packed in 14 sacks. Upon examining the drug consignment, officers confirmed that it contained 184 kilograms and 528 grams of heroin, and 112 kilograms and 268 grams of 'ice' (crystal methamphetamine).

The suspects arrested in connection with this trafficking operation have been identified as residents of Ambalantota, Koswatta, and Beruwala, aged between 24 and 50 years. A consignment of communication equipment found in their possession has also been taken into custody by investigating officers. The arrested individuals and the case exhibits are scheduled to be presented before the Aluthkade No. 01 Magistrate's Court today (25), and the Police Narcotics Bureau is working to obtain detention orders to interrogate the suspects for a period of 07 days.