Navy nabs 02 suspects with Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 141 Mn in northern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a suspicious dinghy, during a special search operation conducted off Kankasanthurai, Jaffna in the dark hours of 02nd April 2023. The operation led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy loaded with over 428kg of Kerala cannabis. The seized narcotic substance was brought to the Kankasanthurai harbour where Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera was present to inspect them this morning (03rd April).

As per the directives of the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Navy has stepped up its surveillance operations and patrols in the sea and coastal areas belonging to the island. Accordingly the Navy throws its full weight behind anti-drug operations to prevent the influx of narcotic substance into the island.

As an extension of these efforts, the P 423 Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla, attached to the Northern Naval Command, carried out this search operation off Kankasanthurai on 02nd April. During the operation, the Navy intercepted a suspicious dinghy and found 195 packs of Kerala cannabis weighing about 428kg and 900g. The packages of Kerala cannabis had been contained in 13 sacks. The operation also led to the apprehension of 02 suspects in connection to the incident.

The suspects along with the consignment of Kerala cannabis were brought to the Kankasanthurai harbour this morning (03rd April). The Commander of the Navy was also present at the harbour to inspect the seized consignment of narcotics. Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the efforts of the naval personnel who involved in this operation.

Meanwhile, the gross street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 141 million.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of the Analathivu Island, aged 33 and 37. The 02 suspect along with Kerala cannabis and the dinghy were handed over to the Kankasanthurai Police for onward legal action.