Navy seizes over 107kg stock of Kerala cannabis in Kalpitiya lagoon

A special operation conducted by the Navy on Somathivu Island in Kalpitiya on 08^th March 2021 led to the seizure of 107kg and 125g of Kerala cannabis.

Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations while staying vigilant around the clock to ward off smuggling activities taking place via sea routes. As an extension of these operations, the Northwestern Naval Command managed to find 107kg and 125g of Kerala cannabis concealed in an abandoned rafter (Theppam), during a special search operation conducted on Somathivu Island. It is suspected that the smugglers might have stowed away the consignment in fear of naval operations.

In support of the government’s efforts to wipe out the drug menace from the country, the Eastern, Northern, Northwestern, North Central, Southeastern and Southern Naval Commands also conducted several other anti-drug operations across the island from 23rd February to 07^th March 2021. These separate operations made way for the apprehension of 18 suspects in possession of 4g and 421mg of heroin, 13kg and 25mg of Kerala cannabis and 07kg and 752g of local cannabis.

The operations were carried out adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols in place and the accused held during these operations were identified as residents of Beddewela, Hambantota, Nagarkovil, Thelijjawila, Nawachcholai, Kalmunai, Trincomalee, Negombo, Embilipitiya, Wellawaya and Ethiliwewa, from 17 to 63 years of age. The suspects together with narcotic substances were later handed over to the police Stations of Hambantota, Puttalam, Talaimannar, Weligama, Kalpitiya, Kalmunai, Palei Thanamalwila and Kudaoya and Police STF in Jaffna and Sardhapura for onward investigations.