Watch: Massive Drug Bust at Sea: Navy Seizes Narcotics Worth Rs. 200 Crore

{{youtube:https://eVj9CbK917Q}}

COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully intercepted a major maritime drug smuggling operation, seizing a multiday fishing trawler carrying a massive haul of Heroin and Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice).

The Discovery Following a special operation at sea, the vessel was escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour early this morning. A thorough search of the craft revealed 11 concealed bags containing over 21kg of Heroin and 172kg of Crystal Meth (Ice).

Financial Impact Speaking to the media at the harbour, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara confirmed that the estimated market value of the narcotics is approximately Rs. 2,000 million (Rs. 200 Crore). He hailed the operation as a significant blow to organized drug trafficking networks operating in the Indian Ocean.

Background of the Vessel Investigations revealed that the trawler had departed from Gandara on December 9th with five local fishermen on board. The Navy intercepted the vessel yesterday (December 23rd) following actionable intelligence. The five suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) for further interrogation.

This seizure underscores the heightened vigilance of the Sri Lanka Navy in monitoring the country's territorial waters against the influx of illegal substances. (NewsCenter)