Largest ever cocaine haul seized

21 July 2016 06:28 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The largest ever detection of cocaine, weighing 274 kilograms and valued at around Rs. 4.1 billion, was made this evening. It had been found inside a container of sugar in the Peliyagoda container yard, police said.

Police Media Division director, DIG Priyantha Jayakody said the container was seized by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).

He said there was another suspicious container in the yard and it was to be inspected. Police said the cocaine consignment had been brought to the country from Brazil.

PNB director SSP Kamal Silva said the street value of a kilogram of cocaine was around Rs. 15 million.

Prior to this, approximately 91 kilos of cocaine (valued at Rs.2 billion), also brought from Brazil, had been found hidden inside a container of sugar by the Police Special Task Force (STF) in the Orugodawatta Container yard on June 14.

A businessman and two wharf clerks were arrested; and the cocaine was taken into custody. The businessman had been a sugar importer for some 40 years and had declared the goods in the container to be sugar.

Police said yesterday's raid was carried out following information given by a businessman recently under interrogation. The businessman is at present in PNB custody in connection with a previous cocaine detection.

The PNB are conducting further investigations under the direction of PNB director SSP Kamal Silva. (Chaturanga Pradeep and Darshana Sanjeewa)

Video by Lal S Kumara and Bi,al Shaman Jayasinghe

Pix by Lal S. Kumara

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Comments - 12

Mevan Thursday, 21 July 2016 07:21 PM

Capital punishment should be brought back at least for drug peddlers. Otherwise we might end up being another Colombia.

Ram Friday, 22 July 2016 02:22 AM

Detections are highlighted.But what happen to the offenders we do not hear. Something is missing

San Friday, 22 July 2016 04:15 AM

They will se it half price to make a woke bucks for the police and politicos what happened to all the Drugs been caught last few years . All went back to the market ..at cheap prices so it is worse now

kk Friday, 22 July 2016 10:21 AM

very nice business via DM Android App

Malaka S Silva Friday, 22 July 2016 10:48 AM

Some people thought drugs were brought only during MR's time. Then what are these? Who is the big shot behind this deal?

Muslim Friday, 22 July 2016 10:55 AM

Last time it was a Tamil (Hindu) businessman so his name or identity was not published. But if it has been a Muslim they would have come to public in headlines.

sinhabahu Friday, 22 July 2016 11:07 AM

Why is the government not disclosing the names?

Asoka Friday, 22 July 2016 11:37 AM

capitol punishment is there already...need the approval of the president to proceed with the punishment...simple as that...!!

Sonali Friday, 22 July 2016 12:20 PM

This is a crime against the nation. The govt needs to give the citizens an answer as to why the names of these criminals are not disclosed. Also, drugs of this magnitude should be destroyed in public so that the govt will not be accused of foul play.

J P Rajan Friday, 22 July 2016 12:39 PM

MR cronies are still in business!!!

Coconut Republic Friday, 22 July 2016 04:42 PM

Dear Muslim, No worries, he's the same tamil chap! Also , sharing proceedings with Hindu, Islam, Catholic , Buddhist and the Ethist too.

brainmaster Friday, 22 July 2016 08:17 PM

100% correct !

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Largest ever cocaine haul seized

Comments - 12

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