The Colombo High Court has handed down death sentences to five individuals who were found guilty of possession and trafficking of over 224 kilograms of heroin in 2019.
In November 2019, an operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in deep waters resulted in the apprehension of five suspects as they inspected a suspicious fishing vessel.
During the operation, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a total of 224 kilograms and 166 grams of suspected heroin from the fishing vessel. Additionally, three other suspects, suspected to have arrived in a smaller boat, were also taken into custody.
Following the arrest of these eight suspects and the confiscation of the illicit drugs, the investigation was transferred to the Police Narcotics Bureau, which subsequently presented the case to the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.
Based on a report from a government analyst, it was revealed that the five suspects were responsible for possessing and trafficking 152 kilograms of heroin and 341 grams of heroin. They were charged under relevant sections of the Penal Code and the Poisons and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 1984.*
Following an extensive trial conducted in the Colombo High Court, subsequent to the filing of indictments, the court sentenced the five accused, residents of North Thoduwawa, Ambakadawila, and Chilaw to death on Wednesday.
