Navy/Police operation nets 183.7 kilos of Kerala ganja

By Norman Palihawadane

A special operation, carried out by the Navy and the Police, enabled the apprehension of about 183.7 kilos of Kerala cannabis at the Murungan Panniwettuwan roadblock in Mannar on Saturday. The operation also led to taking into custody of two suspects and a lorry used to transport the narcotic.

The Navy has been vigilant over wide ranging illegal activities, including the smuggling of drugs, with a view to preventing the influx of such narcotic substances into the country. Accordingly, this apprehension was made at the Murungan Panniwettuwan roadblock on Saturday, by SLNS Pussadewa in North Central Naval Command and Murungan Police, after searching a suspicious lorry on the road.

The lorry was found carrying about 183kg and 715g stock of Kerala cannabis in 87 parcels. The stock of Kerala cannabis had been concealed among pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and hygiene products being transported in the lorry.

The street value of the recovered stock of Kerala cannabis in this operation is believed to be over Rs. 55 million.

The operation was conducted adhering to COVID-19 protocols in force for the prevention of the pandemic spread. The suspects were identified as residents of Kandy and Trincomalee, aged 28 and 34. Murungan Police is conducting further investigation into the incident.