COLOMBO, Nov 2 (NNN-LNW) – Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities, discovered more than 350 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” and heroin, valued at approximately five billion rupees (about 16.66 million U.S. dollars), aboard a fishing vessel seized by the navy, a senior official told reporters, today.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara, told reporters that, the drugs, packed in 16 bags, were found inside a multi-day fishing vessel that the navy intercepted in the waters off the country’s western coast yesterday.
The vessel was brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour this morning. Six suspects aboard the vessel were taken into custody by the navy, he said.
Sri Lanka has confiscated about four metric tonnes of crystal methamphetamine and heroin, so far this year, the deputy minister added, noting that, eradicating narcotics remains a key policy priority of the Sri Lankan government, under the National People’s Power party leadership.– NNN-LNW
