A special operation conducted by the Navy in the seas near Analathivu island, Jaffna, in the early hours of today (12th July 2021) resulted in the seizure of around 344kg and 550g of Kerala cannabis, as well as three suspects and a dinghy used for the racket.
The Sri Lanka Navy has been undertaking frequent operations in island waterways to deter illegal activities such as drug smuggling by sea. As part of these activities, the Fast Attack Craft P 497 of the Northern Naval Command’s 04th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (4 FAF) intercepted a suspicious dinghy traveling landward today in seas northwest of Analathivu island. The Navy discovered around 344kg and 550g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 11 polythene sacks during a secondary check of the dinghy. The operation also resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the dinghy used in the criminal crime.
It is suspected that the smugglers retrieved the Kerala cannabis supply to the dinghy at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in order to smuggle it onto the island. Meanwhile, the street value of the seized Kerala cannabis is estimated to be more than Rs. 103 million.
The three suspects detained in this operation were identified as residents of Nachchikuda, Mannar, and Guru Nagar Jaffna, aged 34 to 38. The seized suspects, along with the Kerala cannabis stock and the dinghy, would be handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for further legal action.
