The Sri Lanka Navy has seized over 121kg of Kerala cannabis during separate search operations in Vankalei, Mannar, and off Delft Island in Jaffna.
According to the Navy, the operations also resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of two dinghies linked to the smuggling racket.
In one operation, SLNS Ranawickrama of the Northern Naval Command uncovered 119.5kg of Kerala cannabis concealed in four sacks. Four suspects and two dinghies were taken into custody.
In a separate operation, SLNS Pussadewa and Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command, working in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Mannar Police, arrested another suspect in Vankalei with 2.3kg of Kerala cannabis in his possession.
The Navy estimated that the gross street value of the seized stock exceeds Rs. 27 million.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 51, are residents of Madampe, Kayts, and Vankalei. They, along with the seized cannabis and dinghies, have been handed over to the Delft and Vankalei Police for further legal action.
