The Navy has seized about 344.5 kg of Kerala cannabis along with 03 suspects and a dinghy in the seas off the Analathivu island, Jaffna in the wee hours today.
Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular operations in island waters to ward off illegal activities including the smuggling of drugs by sea.
The Fast Attack Craft P 497 of 04th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Northern Naval Command has intercepted a suspicious dinghy heading landward, in seas northwest of the Analathivu island today and seized the stock along with the suspects.
It is suspected that the smugglers might have retrieved the stock of Kerala cannabis to the dinghy at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to smuggle them into the island. Meanwhile, the street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 103 million.
The operation was carried out in compliance with COVID-19 protocols in place due to pandemic concerns. The 03 suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Nachchikuda, Mannar and Guru Nagar Jaffna, from 34 to 38 years of age. The apprehended suspects together with the stock of Kerala cannabis and the dinghy will be handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for onward legal action.
