The owner of the boat seized by the Sri Lanka Navy along with 130 parcels of heroin has reportedly fled the area, according to police sources.
The multi-day fishing trawler, named “Indunil 6,” was apprehended with the drug consignment 400 nautical miles off the southern coast in a joint operation involving the Navy and Police Anti-Narcotics Bureau.
The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to exceed Rs. 1300 million.
During the initial inspection, security forces did not find anything suspicious. However, further investigation revealed several suspiciously constructed fiber-reinforced areas on the boat.
On the night of June 14, the vessel was brought to Galle port for a detailed scan.
The scan uncovered a stash of suspicious parcels hidden in a fiber-sealed compartment in the boat's front section, the navy reported.
Subsequent investigation led to confessions from the suspects, who admitted that a fiber boat builder, accompanying them, integrated and concealed the parcels within the boat’s structure using fiber sealing.
The suspects, residents of Gandara and Devundara, disclosed that they commenced their journey from Devundara on May 15.
The trip was planned by the boat’s skipper and coordinated by an individual known as “Aiya,” who maintained communication with them via satellite phone.
According to police reports, the suspects acknowledged receiving initial payments ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000 for their involvement in this illicit activity.
