60-year-old woman sentenced to life for possessing heroin

• Indicted for possessing 9.9grams of heroin and engaging in contraband trade

By D.G.Sugathapala and Nuwan Jayasekera

An accused who stood indicted with possessing heroin was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday by Galle High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama

The accused Handunnetti Rukmani (60) was a resident of Thiranagama off Hikkaduwa. She had been arrested by the Anti-Vice Squad of the Galle Police on May 09, 2014, during a raid at Kalegana in Galle.

She had been indicted for possessing 9.9grams of heroin and engaging in the contraband trade. However, she was acquitted of trading in illegal drugs and found guilty of possessing 9.9grams of heroin.

State Counsel Shirantha Palugaswewa prosecuted, while SI Madanayake gave evidence for the prosecution.