June 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy, during a special search operation conducted in the coastal area of Polwathumodara, Weligama Saturday night seized over 219kg of heroin attempted to be smuggled into the island by sea and arrested 09 suspects in connection with the smuggling.

During the special search operation, the Navy has seized 219.8 kg of heroin estimated to be worth over Rs. 1758 million.

The consignment was attempted to be smuggled in by a dinghy through Polwathumodara area in Weligama and hiddden away, after having brought to seas off Weligama by a multi-day fishing trawler.

The stock of drugs had been concealed in sacks and gas cylinders when the apprehension was made. The Navy also seized the multi-day fishing trawler, the dinghy and arrested 09 suspects aboard the vessels.

The multi-day fishing trawler seized by the Navy on suspicion of smuggling heroin had left the Kottegoda fisheries harbor, Matara on 11th May 2021 and it is suspected that the consignment of narcotics was taken to the trawler from foreign smugglers in international waters.

The suspects held during this operation were residents of Weligama, Ahangama, Dikwella, Kottegoda, Ihalawatta, Mirissa, Polwathumodara and Piliyandala, from 26 to 43 years of age.

The Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau are conducting further investigation into the incident.