Police said the suspect was taken into custody in the Devundara area, following the recovery of a large-scale narcotics stock believed to include heroin and ‘ice’ (methamphetamine).
Earlier, 700kg of heroin and ice were discovered concealed in three lorries in the Seenimodara and Godellawala areas. During the raid, police also recovered six firearms, including a T-56 assault rifle and five revolvers, from one of the vehicles.
The investigation was launched after the discovery of two bodies in a house, which led officers to search the premises. That operation resulted in narcotics being uncovered inside two lorries parked at the residence. A subsequent search revealed another lorry loaded with drugs near the Tangalle beach.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the Sri Lanka Navy carried out a special search near the Kalpitiya Lagoon yesterday, seizing 4.454kg of gold and a small boat carrying two suspects. Authorities believe the gold had also been smuggled into the country illegally.
Law enforcement agencies say investigations are ongoing into both incidents, as officials continue their crackdown on organized narcotics and contraband smuggling networks operating via Sri Lanka’s coastal belt.
