Navy seizes Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 68 million in Ariyalai

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Navy seized about 229kg and 350g of Kerala cannabis concealed in a dinghy, during a special operation conducted in seas off Ariyalai, Jaffna this morning (21).

According to the Navy, SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command mounted this special operation covering the sea and beach areas of Ariyalai in the early hours of today (21).

The operation led to the recovery of 07 travelling bags containing about 229kg and 350g of Kerala cannabis stuffed in 105 packages.

The stock of Kerala cannabis was found while being concealed in a dinghy which was abandoned in coastal waters by smugglers, due to naval operations. Subsequently, the stock of Kerala cannabis and the abandoned dinghy were taken into naval custody.

Meanwhile, the street value of the seized stock of Kerala cannabis is believed to be over Rs. 68 million.

The narcotic substance and the dinghy held in this operation are being kept in naval custody until they are produced for further proceedings.