Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 14 Mn. gross street value seized in northern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy seized over 44 kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis, during a patrol carried out off the Delft Island in Jaffna on 20th February 2023.

The Navy keeps a watchful eye on the coastal and sea areas around the island, with a view to curb a wide range of illegal activities carried out by smugglers via sea routes.

As an extension of constant naval search operations and patrols, SLNS Ranawickrama attached to the Northern Naval Command took hold of traveling bag adrift at sea, whilst patrolling the sea area off the Delft Island on 20th February. The suspicious traveling bag contained 14 packages which had been stuffed with Kerala cannabis weighing about 44 kg and 202 g (wet weight).

It is believed that the smugglers might have left behind the consignment being unable to fetch them ashore, as a result of constant naval search operations in the area. The gross street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 14 million.

Meanwhile, the stock of Kerala cannabis has been kept in naval custody until it is produced for onward legal proceedings.