(UTV | MATARA) – A special search operation conducted by the Navy in the coastal area of Polwathumodara, Weligama yesterday (12), led to the seizure of over 219 kilogrammes (kg) of heroin attempted to be smuggled into the island by sea and apprehension of 9 suspects involved in the illegal act.
This special anti-drug operation conducted by the Navy made way to the seizure of this stock of about 219.8 kg of heroin which was attempted to be smuggled in by a dinghy through Polwathumodara area in Weligama and hide away, after having brought to seas off Weligama by a multi-day fishing trawler. The consignment had been concealed in sacks and gas cylinders when the apprehension was made. The Navy also held the multi-day fishing trawler, a dinghy and 9 suspects aboard, in collection to this racket.
The multi-day fishing trawler seized by the Navy on suspicion of smuggling heroin had left the Kottegoda fisheries harbour, Matara on Friday (11) and it is suspected that the consignment of narcotics was taken to the trawler from foreign smugglers in international waters. Meanwhile, the street value of the seized consignment of heroin is believed to be over Rs. 1,758 million.
The suspects held during this operation were residents of Ahangama, Dikwella, Ihalawatta, Kottegoda, Mirissa, Piliyandala, Polwathumodara, and Weligama from 26 to 43 years of age.
Meanwhile, the Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) are conducting further investigation into the incident as of now.
Source: Sri Lanka Navy
