A multi-day fishing trawler seized by the Sri Lanka Navy is suspected to be carrying over 150 kilograms of narcotics, including heroin and ICE, with an estimated street value of Rs. 300 billion.
Director Navy Media, Commander Chaminda Walakuluge, told Newswire that the trawler, registered as Phana Putha, was seized on the morning of November 1 following an intelligence-led operation in the deep seas south of Sri Lanka.
He said the fishing vessel had departed from the Gandara Fisheries Harbour on October 18 for fishing activities.
Acting on specific intelligence, the Navy deployed its advanced vessel, Samudra Vijay, which was most recently commissioned following its acquisition from the United States, to intercept the trawler.
During a subsequent search of the fishing vessel, Navy personnel discovered 10 sacks suspected to contain narcotics, believed to be heroin and ICE.
The Navy took the trawler, the suspected narcotics, five individuals aboard the vessel and a satellite phone into custody.
Commander Walakuluge said the vessel and suspects were brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour today (05), where the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) assisted in inspecting the suspected narcotics.
The inspection revealed 100 packets suspected to contain ICE and 52 packets suspected to contain heroin.
He said the total quantity of narcotics is suspected to exceed 150 kilograms, while the exact weight is yet to be confirmed, as weighing operations are currently underway.
Commander Walakuluge further stated that the seizure was the result of an intensive operation based on highly specific intelligence.
He said the operation involved collaboration between the Navy, the Police Special Task Force (STF), state intelligence agencies, international intelligence agencies and anti-drug organisations that had shared vital information. (Newswire)