Three accused sentenced to death over trafficking 179 kilos of heroin

• The heroin was seized off the coast of Beruwala on December 5, 2018
• Five others acquitted and released due to lack of sufficient evidence

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendi yesterday sentenced three accused to death after finding them guilty of possessing and trafficking over 179 kilograms of heroin, which was transported via a multi-day fishing vessel in waters off Beruwala in 2018.   

The court also acquitted and released five other accused who had been charged in connection with the same incident.   

The incident took place on December 5, 2018, when the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended eight suspects aboard a multi-day fishing vessel in the sea near the Beruwala Fisheries Harbour. The vessel was found to be transporting a large consignment of heroin, amounting to 179 kilograms and 180 grams.   

Following the arrest, the Attorney General filed indictments against all eight accused at the Colombo High Court under charges of heroin possession and trafficking.   

Delivering the verdict after a lengthy trial, Judge Patabendi said that the charges against three of the accused were proven beyond a reasonable doubt, thus imposing the death sentence. The remaining five were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.