Nine Iranian nationals, who pleaded guilty to charges of heroin possession and trafficking involving a consignment brought to Sri Lanka via a fishing vessel four years ago, have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The ruling was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja, with each defendant found guilty of possessing 80 grams of heroin.
In accordance with an international agreement signed by Sri Lanka, the High Court Judge ordered the extradition of the defendants to Iran to serve their prison sentences.
During the proceedings held today, prior to the commencement of the evidentiary hearing, the legal representatives of the defendants notified the court that all nine defendants had admitted to the charges.
