CID & PNB Probing Origins of Guns and Drugs

COLOMBO (News 1st); A joint investigation has been launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) into the discovery of narcotics and firearms found aboard a multi-day fishing vessel in the southern seas.

Police said investigators are examining where the firearms originated from and for what purpose they were being transported.

The fishermen on board the vessel, which had been taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Navy, along with the seized drugs and weapons, have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau. According to police, they will be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The multi-day fishing vessel was intercepted by the Navy in the deep southern seas on the 11th. The Navy stated that 654 kilograms of drugs were found on board, including 176 kilograms of heroin and 478 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ICE).

The vessel carrying the narcotics and weapons was brought to the Dikowita Harbour yesterday morning. Navy spokesperson Commander Buddika Samapath said another vessel believed to have assisted the main boat was also brought ashore.

From the first vessel, authorities recovered two T-56 assault rifles, one weapon modified to resemble an M16, eight pistols, and several magazines.

The Navy said a total of 10 suspects were taken into custody from the two vessels.