Sri Lanka Police have arrested 11 suspects and seized large quantities of heroin and crystal methamphetamine during a major narcotics operation off the country’s southern coast, police said.
The Police Narcotics Bureau said the suspects were taken into custody on January 23 following an intelligence-led operation conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy. Two fishing vessels allegedly transporting drugs were intercepted during the operation.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 50, are residents of Ambalangoda, Koswatta and Heruwala, police said.
Police said officers seized 184 kilograms and 528 grams of heroin and 112 kilograms and 268 grams of crystal methamphetamine, packed in 270 parcels, from the vessels.
The suspects were brought to the Dikkowita harbour on January 25 and are due to be produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court, where police are expected to seek a seven-day detention order for further investigations.
Further investigations are being carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau. (Newswire)
