Navy intercepts another narcotic trafficking vessel carrying Rs. 3.2 b worth of drugs

Saturday, 11 April 2020 11:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Navy this morning intercepted another narcotics trafficking vessel 548 nautical miles (958 km) off the southern coast.

According to the Navy, 260 kg of a substance suspected to heroin and 56 kg of the substance ICE was found aboard. The Navy estimates the haul to be worth Rs. 3.2 billion.

Seven Iranian nationals have been arrested by the Navy in the 'flag-less' vessel after a two-week-long mission based on intelligence, international coordination with stakeholders and technical intelligence derived from satellite imagery.

The 14-day mission saw a Navy offshore patrol vessel cross the equator in search of the suspect vessel, the Navy said in press release.

"The Sri Lanka Navy is determined and committed to keep our maritime domain safe, secure and serene, while supporting the Government's prevention of COVID19 efforts" Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva told the Daily FT.

With today's seizure, the Navy has intercepted at sea 678 kg of heroin and 759 kg of the Methamphetamine ICE at sea up-to-date in 2020.