Navy takes hold of over 140kg of Kerala cannabis worth more than Rs. 56 million in northern waters

The Navy retrieved about 140kg and 40g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis adrift in the sea, during a search operation conducted off the Kalmunai Point, Jaffna in the wee hours of today (17 Feb 25).

To combat illegal activities, including drug trafficking via sea routes, the Navy conducts continuous patrols and surveillance operations along the coastal and maritime boundaries of the island.

As an extension of these efforts, SLNS Welusumana belonging to the Northern Naval Command conducted this search operation off the Kalmunai Point, Jaffna. The operation resulted in the recovery of about 140kg and 40g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 04 suspicious sacks, adrift in waters.

It is believed that the smugglers, unable to bring the consignment of Kerala cannabis to shore due to the presence of the Navy, may have abandoned it at sea. The estimated street value of this Kerala cannabis stock is believed to exceed Rs. 56 million.

Meanwhile, the stock of Kerala cannabis was handed over to the Divisional Crime Detective Bureau, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.