Approximately 300 kilograms of heroin have been seized in the seas off Hambantota in a joint operation led by Sri Lanka Navy, Police Special Task Force (STF) and Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB).

During the operation, 10 suspects have been arrested while two fishing boats and a dinghy were taken into custody, Sri Lanka Navy spokesman said. 

The Navy’s sea unit has deployed in this special operation which intercepted the suspicious local fishing trawler in southern waters about 10 nautical miles (about 18km) off the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse.

The subsequent search has led to the recovery of 300 packages of the drugs stuffed in 12 sacks which had been concealed in the trawler. The Navy has nabbed 06 locals onboard and the fishing trawler used for this illegal act.

The gross street value of the seized heroin consignment is estimated to be over Rs. 6000 million.

The drug-carrying trawler and the suspects have been brought to Galle Harbour this morning (Nov 07).

Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne has also arrived at Galle Harbour to inspect the consignment.

The Navy, Police Narcotic Bureau and Police STF have held the dinghy, which is suspected to have been made ready to fetch the stock of narcotics from mid-sea, and arrested 03 males and 01 female suspects involved in the land-network of the racket, in an operation mounted off Nillwella and its beach area on Sunday (Nov 06). 

The suspects who were nabbed during the operation have been identified as residents of Hambantota, Kottegoda, Dikwella and Mahamadala, who are aged between 31 and 62. 

Weight of the heroin stock is being measured currently. The haul of narcotics, multiday fishing trawler, dinghy and the 10 suspects are scheduled to be handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action, following those proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Police Narcotic Bureau is conducting further operations in search of more suspects in connection to this illegal act.