Detention orders for suspects arrested with drugs and weapons

2026-03-14 - 04:47

Seven-day detention orders have been obtained for the 10 suspects arrested in connection with the discovery of drugs and weapons on board a multi-day fishing vessel in the southern seas, after they were produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court. The Navy seized a fishing vessel carrying five suspects along with drugs and firearms in deep seas, as well as another fishing vessel travelling in coordination with it carrying five additional suspects, and brought them to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour on the 12th. Officials of the Police Narcotics Bureau, who are conducting further investigations into the incident, stated that the suspects are residents of Iranavila, Mahawa, Melsiripura, Wennappuwa, Negombo, Nakulugama, Tangalle, Netolpitiya and Gandara, and are aged between 22 and 49. Accordingly, the suspects have been produced before court on charges of possessing, importing and trafficking 176 kilograms and 568 grams of heroin and 478 kilograms and 326 grams of “ice” (crystal methamphetamine), as well as importing and possessing eight pistols, 15 magazines, two T56 firearms, one M16 firearm and four magazines for that weapon, and aiding and abetting those offences. It is reported that the value of the seized drug haul, weighing about 654 kilograms, exceeds Rs. 10 billion.