The Sri Lanka Navy seized Kerala cannabis weighing about 197kg and 60g during an operation conducted in the seas south of Mannar on Saturday. The gross street value of the seized Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 59 million.
The Navy has been conducting regular patrols to prevent the smuggling of drugs and other forms of illegal activities in island waters.
“Accordingly, SLNS Mihikatha patrolling in seas south of Mannar seized this stock of narcotics after retrieving several suspicious packages adrift in the sea,” the Navy Media Unit said.
Kerala cannabis in 50 packages and two sacks were recovered during the operation. It contained about 197kg and 60g of Kerala cannabis.
It is believed that the smugglers had dumped the stock of Kerala cannabis into the sea and fled, being unable to bring it ashore as a result of the Naval presence.
The stock of Kerala cannabis held in this operation will be set on fire and destroyed under the supervision of the Naval Provost branch.
Monday, April 18, 2022 – 01:04