Suspect Arrested Over Rs. 11.8 Bn Drug Haul In Matara

COLOMBO (News 1st): A suspect has been arrested in Gandara in connection with a consignment of narcotics worth more than Rs. 11.8 billion, that was discovered along the Talalla coastline in Matara yesterday.

The suspect is a 31-year-old resident of Gandara.

A total of approximately 561 kilograms and 705 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ICE’, and heroin was recovered yesterday from the Naotunna coastal area in Talalla, Matara.

The discovery was made during a special joint search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard Department following a tip-off.

The narcotics were found stored in 21 bags and travel bags. The Navy also took into custody a dinghy boat suspected to have been used to transport the consignment.

Further investigations, conducted with the assistance of the Police Narcotics Bureau, confirmed that the haul included approximately 239 kilograms and 764 grams of ‘ICE’, packed in 200 parcels, and 321 kilograms and 941 grams of heroin, packed in 275 parcels.

The narcotics and the dinghy have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further legal action.