The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (Nov. 3) granted permission for the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) to detain and question six suspects in connection with the seizure of 251.18 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) and 85 kilograms of heroin from a multi-day fishing vessel off Sri Lanka’s western coast.
The suspects, arrested by the PNB, were produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama, who permitted their detention until November 8 for further questioning.
According to PNB officials, the drugs were found aboard the multi-day fishing vessel ‘Seedevi’, which had been intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy while allegedly transporting narcotics in western waters. The vessel was subsequently brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour.
Police said the six suspects were arrested on charges of importing and trafficking narcotics, and investigations are ongoing. The Magistrate instructed the PNB to submit a progress report to court on November 8.
The Sri Lanka Navy conducted the special operation on November 2, intercepting the trawler and apprehending the six suspects. A joint inspection by the PNB and Navy later confirmed the seizure of approximately 335 kilograms of narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine and heroin.
