A stock of heroin and opium valued at nearly Rs. 300 million was destroyed in a high-temperature incinerator at the Wanathavilluwa Lacto Estate, under the supervision of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and on the orders of court.
The destruction was carried out before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodharagama, following the conclusion of relevant court proceedings. The consignment consisted of 106 kilograms and 248 grams of heroin and 90.5 grams of opium, which had been in the custody of the Police Narcotics Bureau.
The drugs were seized in September 2021 after a tip-off received by the Batticaloa Divisional Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy. Since the seizure, the stock had been securely stored until legal proceedings were completed.
On court orders, the narcotics were transported from the Colombo Magistrate’s Court to Wanathavilluwa under tight security on the morning of the destruction. Police and Special Task Force personnel provided armed escort and security throughout the operation.
Following verification by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau, the drugs were destroyed in the incinerator under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police Ashoka Dharmasena and Senior Superintendent of Police of the Police Narcotics Bureau, H.N.M.C. Herath.
Extensive security arrangements were in place around the incinerator premises and along the route used to transport the seized narcotics to ensure the safety and integrity of the operation.
