• 380 kg ‘Ice’, 245 kg ‘heroin’ and 6 firearms found in 3 lorries in Seenimodara
• Public Sec. Min. finds southern politicos involved in drug trafficking, org. crime 

In one of the biggest drug busts made on a single day, a total of 380 kilograms (kg) of crystal methamphetamine also known as ‘Ice’ and 245 kg of heroin were recovered from the Tangalle area yesterday (22), following the deaths of three persons suspected to have died as a result of exposure to the same.

In addition to the stock of illegal drugs, which were found in three lorries – two within the premises of an abandoned but under-repair house in Seenimodara, where two of the deceased were found, and one parked nearby the said premises – six firearms including five pistols and a Type-56 assault rifle were also found.

Earlier yesterday, a lorry that was transporting around 200 kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin was intercepted in the Tangalle area and along with the stock of illegal drugs, the firearms were also found in the same lorry.

Meanwhile, the Police recovered over 10 kg of ‘Ice’ from a house under renovation in Seenimodara, Tangalle. According to Police sources, investigations had also led to the recovery of 10 packets of ‘Ice’ from a smaller lorry parked near the said house. The discovery of this stock of drugs was prompted by the deaths of three people – one in the Tangalle Base Hospital and two at the scene – who were staying in the house and had died under unknown circumstances.

Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of another stock of over 200 kg of ‘Ice’ and heroin which were found in another larger lorry on the same premises. In this regard, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Southern Province Kithsiri Jayalath had stated that the stock of narcotics was found concealed in the lorry.

In this context, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that information has emerged indicating the involvement of certain politicians in the south in drug trafficking and organised crime activities. Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday, he noted that this information is gradually coming to light based on intelligence reports and tips provided by the general public.