The narcotics seized during a joint Navy and Coast Guard operation at Naotunna Beach in Thalalla, Matara, in the early hours of Saturday (24) have been confirmed to weigh 561.705 kilograms, with an estimated street value of over Rs. 11.8 billion.
Examinations conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the consignment comprised 321.941 kg of heroin and 239.764 kg of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice.
The drugs were packed in 275 parcels of heroin and 200 parcels of Ice, recovered from nine large polythene sacks, one smaller sack and 11 travel bags found at the scene.
The operation was launched following intelligence received by the Navy and Coast Guard that a consignment of narcotics was being brought ashore in the area.
Upon reaching the location, security personnel observed three individuals attempting to transport a suspicious consignment from a dinghy to the shore. However, the suspects fled before officers could reach them.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the dinghy belonged to a resident of the Devinuwara area. Police searched the owner’s residence but found that he had also fled the area.
Police have identified two suspects in connection with the narcotics consignment. A person suspected of acting as a lookout during the operation was also arrested in the Tangalle area on Saturday, police said.
The seized narcotics were later examined by the Police Narcotics Bureau to establish the exact quantities.
Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) and the Navy Commander were among the senior officials who visited the location to inspect the seized consignment.
Further investigations into the incident are being conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau. (Newswire)