Sri Lanka Navy seizes two trawlers, arrests 11 in anti-narcotics operation

Colombo, January 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Navy has seized two multi-day fishing trawlers and arrested eleven suspects during a major anti-narcotics operation carried out on the high seas south of Sri Lanka.

The operation was launched based on intelligence provided by the Sri Lanka Police, following which the Navy deployed Offshore Patrol Vessels to intercept vessels suspected of narcotics smuggling. During the first phase of the operation, naval forces intercepted a multi-day fishing trawler and apprehended five individuals believed to be involved in smuggling activities.

A subsequent operation conducted in the same sea area resulted in the interception of another fishing trawler. Six additional suspects were arrested during this action, along with a stock of communication equipment suspected to have been used for illicit operations.

Both trawlers, the suspected narcotics consignment, and all eleven suspects are currently being escorted to shore. They are to be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings.