Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted a multi-day fishing vessel smuggling a stock of narcotics believed to be heroin and crystal methamphetamine (also known as ‘Ice’) stuffed in 13 sacks.

The narcotics consignment, which reportedly contained 300kg of heroin and 25kg of crystal methamphetamine, was taken into custody during a naval operation.

The raid was conducted by the Navy, in coordination with the State Intelligence Service and Police Narcotics Bureau, in seas off Dodanduwa, Galle on the evening of 12 April.

Six individuals who were on board the vessel at the time have also been apprehended during the said drug bust.

In addition, a dinghy, a cab, a three-wheeler and 05 more suspects were also held in connection with the seized narcotics consignment.

The trawler in question had ventured out to sea from Beruwala fishery harbour on 26 March, under the guise of multi-day fishing. It is suspected that the narcotics consignment was fetched to the trawler from foreign smugglers in international waters, with the intention of smuggling them into the country.

The gross street value of the seized consignment of illegal drugs is believed to be over Rs. 6,200 million.

The suspects held during this operation were identified as residents of Hikkaduwa, Boossa, Kalawana, Berillawatta and Moragoda, aged between 23 - 36 years.

Further investigation into the incident is currently underway with the involvement of Sri Lanka Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau.