Two individuals who were transporting 45kg 376g of heroin, valued at Rs. 450 million, have been taken into custody this morning (February 25).

Acting on a tip-off, the officers of Panadura Anti-Vice Narcotics Unit had made the arrest near Indumathi Ground in Dikhenapura, Horana.

Arrestees were identified as a soldier attached to the Attidiya Camp and a deserter of the Army from Midigama in Matara.

According to Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana, the soldier had been wearing his military uniform at the time of the arrest. It was revealed that he hails from Polonnaruwa area.

The heroin consignment, packed up in 42 parcels, was recovered from a military vehicle driven by the soldier. Reports revealed that the vehicle had entered the Southern Expressway from Imaduwa and exited at Gelanigama interchange before it was taken into custody.

Sri Lanka Army, in a statement, revealed that the vehicle, which was used on rental basis for administrative purposes of the Army in Colombo, belongs to the Mechanized Infantry Regiment (MIR) in Dambulla.

A relief driver of the Army had been assigned to the vehicle as the permanent Army driver was away on leave, the statement read further.

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva has instructed the law enforcement authorities and Sri Lanka Military Police to take stern action against the Army member and impose maximum possible punishment on the culprits in accordance with legal provisions.

Panadura Anti-Vice Narcotics Unit and Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) are jointly carrying out further investigations into the incident.