Navy seizes over 200 kg of Kerala cannabis, 3 arrested

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel today seized 237.5 kg of Kerala cannabis, along with three suspects and a dinghy, during a special operation conducted in the seas north of Point Pedro.

The special operation was carried out by the Northern Naval Command in the seas north of Point Pedro in the early hours of today. It led to the interception of a suspicious dinghy heading towards the shore loaded with two sacks of Kerala cannabis. 

The Navy also took the dinghy and three suspects aboard into custody during this operation. 

Based on a tip-off received from the suspects, the Navy and Coast Guard swung into further search in the sea area and found six more sacks of Kerala cannabis thrown overboard by the suspects.

Accordingly, the entire operation led to the seizure of about 237.5 kg of Kerala cannabis in eight sacks. It is suspected that the contraband was transferred to the dinghy at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with the intent of smuggling it onto the island. Meanwhile, the street value of this haul of cannabis is believed to be about Rs.71 million.

The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of the pandemic. The suspects held during this operation were residents of Point Pedro and Achchuveli, aged 28 to 29 years. 

Meanwhile, the suspects together with Kerala cannabis and the dinghy, will be handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for onward legal action and the Navy and Coast Guard are currently engaged in further searches in the sea area. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)