Navy seizes huge stock of Kerala cannabis

Naval ratings weighing the sacks of Kerala canabis in Jaffna

A special operation carried out by the Navy in seas off the Analathivu Island, Jaffna in the wee hours yesterday (12) led to the seizure of about 344.5 kilos of Kerala cannabis along with three suspects and a dinghy used for the smuggling operation.

The Navy has been conducting regular operations in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters to thwart illegal activities including the smuggling of narcotics. As an extension of these operations, the Fast Attack Craft P 497 of Fourth Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Northern Naval Command intercepted a suspicious dinghy heading towards the shores in seas northwest of the Analathivu island yesterday. During further search of the dinghy, about 344.5 kilos (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 11 polythene sacks were found. Three suspects and the dinghy used for drug smuggling were taken into custody.

It is suspected that the smugglers might have transferred the stock of Kerala cannabis to the dinghy at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to smuggle it into Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 103 million, the Navy said.

The operation was carried out in compliance with COVID-19 protocols in place due to pandemic concerns. The three suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Nachchikuda, Mannar and Guru Nagar Jaffna, from 34 to 38 years of age. The suspects together with the stock of Kerala cannabis and the dinghy will be handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for legal action.