Police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the massive drug trafficking operation uncovered in Tangalle, described by authorities as the largest land-based narcotics seizure in Sri Lankan history.
The latest arrests involve the sons of a man who recently died after being hospitalized in Seenimodara, Tangalle. Both suspects are currently receiving treatment at Tangalle Hospital under special police protection.
The investigation began after police, acting on a tip-off, discovered two bodies in a house in Seenimodara. The deceased, identified as residents of Ambalantota, are believed to have been murdered elsewhere and transported to the house.
Subsequent searches led authorities to a lorry parked about 1.5 kilometers from the house, where officers discovered heroin and crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) hidden among watermelons. In total, over 705 kilograms of narcotics were seized—284 kilograms of heroin and 420 kilograms of ice—with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 10 billion.
Authorities also recovered five modern revolvers and a T-56 assault rifle concealed in the lorry. Another suspect was arrested at the scene. Further searches revealed a second lorry near the Seenimodara house containing additional quantities of heroin and ice.
Both lorries, along with their owners, have been taken into custody and transferred to police stations in Meetiyagoda and Elpitiya for questioning, before being handed over to Beliatta Police for further investigation.
Multiple police teams, including the Police Narcotics Bureau, are now involved in the probe, which officials say marks the largest drug haul ever made on Sri Lankan soil.
