Based on information derived from a coordinated intelligence operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau, a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler was intercepted by SLCG Samudraraksha.
The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler was escorted to the Dondra fisheries harbour, where, after careful search with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, over 212kg (including packages) of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE) were recovered from the trawler this morning (October 22, 2023).
The special operation, mounted about 91 nautical miles (approximately 168km) off west of Galle, also led to the apprehension of suspects aboard. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, arrived at the Dondra fisheries harbour this morning to personally inspect the seized consignment of narcotics.
During this dedicated operation led by the SL Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Samudraraksha intercepted the local fishing trawler on suspicion about 91 nautical miles off west of Galle in the evening of October 20. Subsequently, the suspicious trawler was escorted to the Dondra fisheries harbour for further search.
Upon being brought ashore, the suspicious trawler underwent a thorough search this morning (October 22), where 160 packages of heroin, weighing about 180 kg and 800 g (including packages), and 28 parcels of crystal methamphetamine, weighing around 31 kg and 550 g (including packages), contained in 12 sacks, were recovered. Moreover, the drug-carrying fishing trawler and suspects aboard were also taken into custody.
The street value of the seized consignment of drugs weighing around 212 kg and 350 g held in this operation is believed to be over Rs. 4000 million.
The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of the Dondra and Koottegoda areas, whose ages range from 26 to 53 years. The suspects, along with the stock of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler, were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.
