Over 561 kg of heroin, methamphetamine seized in Matara

Security forces have recovered more than 561 kilograms of heroin and methamphetamine during a special operation in the sea and coastal areas off Naotunna in Thalalla, Matara.

Authorities said the haul comprised 321.941 kilograms of heroin and 239.764 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard on Saturday morning.

During the search, officers recovered 10 sacks and 11 travel bags suspected of containing narcotics, as well as a dinghy believed to have been used to transport the consignment.

The drugs are estimated to have a street value of more than Rs. 11.8 billion.

The narcotics and the dinghy were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further legal action.

The Navy said the seizure was the largest quantity of narcotics it had recovered on land so far this year.

Police suspect the consignment belonged to a major drug trafficker known as “Dehibale”.