Navy apprehends 02 suspects with Kerala cannabis valued more than Rs. 78 million in northern waters

A special search operation conducted by the Navy in waters north of the Analathivu Island, Jaffna in the wee hours of 03 Mar 25, resulted in the apprehension of 02 suspects with a stock of Kerala cannabis, weighing over 197kg. The operation also led to the seizure of a dinghy employed for this illegal act.

Based on information received by the Northern Naval Command, the operation was mounted by a team of Navy’s Special Boat Squadron (SBS) personnel attached to SLNS Elara. Following a search of a suspicious dinghy in the sea area of Analathivu Island, the Navy recovered about 197kg and 400g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 78 parcels being smuggled, resulting the apprehension of 02 suspects, the consignment of Kerala cannabis and the dingy.

The gross street value of Kerala cannabis seized in this operation is believed to be over Rs. 78 million. Meanwhile, the suspects held in this operation are residents of Pesalai and Karainagar, aged 29 and 43.

The apprehended suspects, along with the consignment of Kerala cannabis and the dinghy, will be handed over to the Karainagar Police for onward legal action.