In a major drug bust by Weeraketiya Police in the Athuboda area, a stash of heroin worth over Rs. 2 billion was discovered hidden in a lorry. The narcotics—101 kg of heroin packed in 92 parcels—had been expertly concealed in a hidden compartment of the vehicle. Three individuals, including a garage owner, a tinker, and a bakery worker, were arrested during the operation.
Police investigations uncovered photographs on one suspect’s phone showing the method of concealment, which helped identify the lorry used to transport the drugs. Authorities believe the heroin shipment belongs to a notorious Dubai-based drug trafficker, who allegedly guided the suspects through several phone calls during the transport.
The heroin had been hidden inside a house in Athuboda, which also housed a bakery and garage. The suspects, aged 23 and 24, claimed they were contacted by a Weeraketiya resident who told them something would arrive via lorry and asked them to store it safely. Four days later, they were informed of the vehicle’s arrival and instructed to keep the contents secure.
During interrogation, the suspects stated they were unaware that the cargo was narcotics and were reassured by the trafficker over the phone that it was not drugs and there would be no issues even if police were involved. Notably, police said the concealment method was similar to LTTE-era explosive smuggling tactics.
The information was first obtained by an officer attached to a special intelligence unit, leading to the raid carried out in the early hours of May 22. Senior officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Government Analyst’s Department later confirmed the contents as heroin.
Investigations are ongoing to locate the lorry driver and arrest the individual who coordinated the drug concealment at the location. The suspects remain in custody under a detention order while the search continues.
