450kg of heroin and ice seized in deep sea raid off southern Sri Lanka
A joint operation by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau led to the seizure of 450 kilograms of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “ice”) from two multi-day fishing vessels off the southern coast of Sri Lanka yesterday (May 27).
During the raid, carried out in deep sea waters, 11 fishermen were taken into custody. All the suspects are reported to be residents of the Devinuwara area.
The Navy brought the seized vessels to Dikowita Harbor, where further investigations are now underway.
UPDATE – 05:15 PM:
The Sri Lanka Navy states that the two vessels seized contain 778 kilograms of heroin and ‘ice’ drugs, whereas earlier this morning it was reported as 450 kilograms.
According to the Sri Lanka Navy, this haul includes 275 kilograms of heroin and 503 kilograms of ‘ice’ (crystal methamphetamine).
The two vessels, along with the 11 suspects arrested, were brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbor this morning (May 28). The Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting further investigations.
The two fishing vessels were taken into naval custody yesterday (27th) during an operation in the southern seas.
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