• Total weight around 350 kg

Over 350 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’) and heroin with an estimated value of around Rs. 5 billion have been seized from a fishing trawler. As per the reports, 16 bags containing the narcotics have been found on the vessel.

The multi-day fishing vessel suspected of carrying narcotics was intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the deep seas off Sri Lanka’s western coast, and was brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour yesterday morning (2). The seizure was carried out during a special naval operation which was conducted following credible intelligence about a fishing vessel transporting a large consignment of narcotics in the deep seas off Sri Lanka’s western coast. Acting on the intelligence, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had deployed long-range naval assets to intercept the vessel. Upon boarding and inspecting the trawler, Navy officers had apprehended six suspects on board.

Meanwhile, the owner of the multi-day fishing vessel has been arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau, and the Police have obtained a seven-day detention order for further questioning.