By Norman Paliahawadane
In a special search operation, conducted in deep seas on Tuesday, a multi-day fishing trawler, carrying over 290 kilos of heroin, along with five suspects was taken into custody by the Navy.
The vessel was carrying around 290.2 kilos of heroin with a street value of Rs. 2,321 million.
The fishing vessel with heroin and the suspects had been brought ashore yesterday morning, the Navy said.
Based on information received from a coordinated operation, led by the Sri Lanka Navy Intelligence, and other intelligence services, the Navy searched the suspicious multi-day fishing trawler heading towards the shore on Monday (30) afternoon.
The interception led to the recovery of about 290.2 kilos of heroin in 259 parcels stuffed in 10 sacks concealed in the vessel.
The multi-day fishing trawler had ventured out to sea on July 30 and it is suspected that the consignment of narcotics was picked up by it from foreign smugglers in international waters.
The suspects arrested in the operation were identified as residents of Ahungalla, Balapitiya and Habaraduwa between 31 and 37 years of age. The Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau are conducting further investigation into the massive heroin bust.
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