Navy recovers Kerala cannabis valued at over Rs. 28 million in northern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy recovered over 86kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis adrift in waters, during a search operation conducted in the sea area of Kudairippu, Jaffna in the evening of 23rd July 2023.

The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant and often carries out search operations in its waters and coastal areas of the island, with a view to curbing smuggling and other forms of illegal activities.

In continuation of these efforts, the Naval Detachment Mamunai belonging to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni in the Northern Naval Command deployed naval craft and mounted a search operation in Kudairippu sea area on 23rd July. During this operation, naval personnel recovered 02 suspicious sacks adrift in the sea area. The sacks contained about 86kg and 700g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis which was subsequently taken into naval custody. It is suspected that smugglers might have left behind this stock of Kerala cannabis, due to naval operations in the area.

The gross street value of the consignment of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 28 million. Meanwhile, the stock of narcotic drugs has been kept in the naval custody, until they are handed over to authorities for onward legal proceedings.