Navy nabs 04 suspects for possession of illegal drugs

Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular anti-drug operations in order to prevent smuggling of drugs in the country. During similar operations carried out in the North Central and in Eastern Naval Commands on 24th July 2020, the Navy managed to apprehend 04 suspects for possession of illegal drugs which included more than 09kg of Kerala cannabis and other substances.

Accordingly, naval personnel on duty at Coastal Observation Point in Usimukkanthurei belonging to the North Central Naval Command have spotted 02 suspicious parcels floating near a shrimp enclosure (jaa-kotu) and found 9kg and 300g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in those parcels. The stock of Kerala cannabis was subsequently handed over to the Mannar Police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, naval personnel of the same naval command with the assistance of Medawachchiya Police carried out a search at the Medawachchiya Bus Station and nabbed 02 suspects who were attempting to transfer about 500g of Kerala cannabis by public transport. The suspects were identified as residents of Batticaloa, aged 25 and 30. Medawachchiya Police is conducting further investigation into the incident.

Further, another suspect with 560mg of heroin was taken into custody during a coordinated search operation carried out in the general area of Eluthurei in Mannar by the Navy with the Division - wise Squad, Mannar. The accused has been identified as a 21 year old resident of the same area. The Division - wise Squad, Mannar is conducting onward investigation into this incident.

Meanwhile, naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command together with Kalavanchikudi Police STF have intercepted a suspicious motorbike, during a search carried out in Kaththankudi area in Batticaloa on 24th July 2020. The rider was subsequently arrested for possession of 670mg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE drug). The 43 year old suspect was identified as a resident of the same area and it was revealed that he was a drug peddler. The suspect along with drugs and motorbike was handed over to the Kaththankudiya Police for onward investigation.