Navy takes hold of Kerala cannabis worth over Rs 125 million with 03 suspects in northern waters

Sri Lanka Navy took hold of about 417kg and 200g of Kerala cannabis, during a special operation, conducted in the sea area extending from Madagal to Point Pedro, Jaffna in the dark hours on 27th July 2021. The operation also made way to apprehend 03 suspects and a dinghy used for this racket.

The Fast Attack Craft P 483 of the 04th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (4 FAF) together with Inshore Patrol Craft P 177 and P 178 attached to the Northern Naval Command searched a number of dinghies in northern waters during this special operation off Madagal to Point Pedro. As the search was ongoing, one dinghy escaped from the scene dropping few sacks into water. This made Inshore Patrol Craft P 177 to chase after the suspicious dinghy, ultimately intercepting it with 03 suspects aboard.

A subsequent search in the Madagal sea area by boat patrols of Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) ‘Agbo’ recovered 08 polythene sacks cast away by the suspicious dinghy and about 417kg and 200g of Kerala cannabis (in 125 packages) were found from the sacks. The street value of the apprehended stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 125 million.

The operation was carried out adhering to the COVID-19 protocols in place due to pandemic concerns and the 03 accused held in the operation were identified as a resident of Thondamanaru and Guru Nagar from 20 to 40 years of age.. The suspect along with the stock of Kerala cannabis and dinghy will be handed over to the Ilawalei Police for onward legal action.