Over 300kg narcotic substances seized in high-seas naval operation

Sri Lanka Navy has seized more than 300kg of narcotic substances during an operation at high seas.

The seized narcotic substances are suspected to be a haul of approximately 260kg of heroin and 56kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (also known as ‘Ice’).

Naval personnel had found the narcotics haul in a foreign vessel without a flag state on the international seas about 548 nautical miles off the coast of Sri Lanka.

Seven foreign nationals, who are believed to be Iranians, have also been taken into custody along with the intercepted vessel.

This narcotics raid is a result of an operation carried out by the Navy from the information secured by interrogating persons who were aboard the three vessels intercepted earlier this year, analysing data on satellite communication and through international information exchange.

Based on the analyses, the Navy subsequently dispatched its Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) on March 30 for a 14-day maritime operation in high seas.

Two days later, the patrol vessel crossed the equator and surveyed all previously identified sea routes for nine days. On the 10th day (around 11.00 a.m. on April 10) the OPV was able to spot the foreign vessel loaded with drugs. 

Satellite images were also obtained with international cooperation during this voyage, which also helped to confirm these routes, the Navy said.

The seized haul is estimated to be valued nearly Rs 3,270 million, the Navy said.

According to reports, the Navy has seized 687kg of heroin, 795 of ‘Ice’ and 579kg of Ketamine so far this year.