Navy detects Rs. 24 million worth ICE, arrest three

By Norman Palihawadane

A special operation conducted by the Navy in the seas off Sandbanks, Talaimannar, yesterday morning, led to the apprehension of three suspects aboard a dinghy with about 3.1 kilos of the hard drug Crystal Methamphetamine, known as ICE.

The Navy continues to conduct anti-drug operations in waters around the country to thwart drug smuggling via sea routes. In the latest operation, a group of SLN Marines attached to SLNS Thammanna, in the North Central Naval Command, intercepted a suspicious dinghy in the seas off Sandbanks, Talaimannar. During further search of the dinghy, naval personnel managed to recover about 3.1 kilos of Crystal Methamphetamine concealed in it. Accordingly, the consignment of drugs, along with the three suspects and the dinghy used for the illegal act, were taken into naval custody.

The street value of the apprehended stock of ICE was more than Rs. 24 million, the Navy said.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Pesalai area. They together with the narcotic were handed over to the Talaimannar Police for legal action.