The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a fishing vessel carrying narcotics worth more than Rs. 1.5 billion during a special operation conducted in deep seas south of the island, Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, said.
He made the statement today (13) after inspecting the vessel, which was brought to the Galle Fisheries Harbour.
The fishing vessel, named Yasiru Putha, was intercepted by the Navy on November 11 while transporting a consignment of sacks suspected to contain narcotics.
Five fishermen aboard the vessel were also taken into custody. The vessel and the suspects were brought to the Galle Fisheries Harbour this morning.
During an inspection, the Police Narcotics Bureau confirmed that the consignment contained heroin and crystal methamphetamine (Ice).
According to the findings of the Police Narcotics Bureau, the vessel was carrying approximately 60 kilograms of heroin and more than 50 kilograms of Ice.
