Joint operation leads to drug bust in Wennappuwa; Kerala cannabis valued over Rs. 202 million and 03 suspects apprehended

A coordinated search operation mounted by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau led to the seizure of over 900kg of Kerala cannabis in Bolawatta area in Wennappuwa on 02 Jul 25. The operation also led to the interception of a car in connection to the smuggling racket and a cab in which 02 foreign-made pistols, 04 magazines and 40 rounds of ammunition were found.

The search operation was conducted based on credible intelligence information received by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. Accordingly, a suspicious cab was intercepted in the Bolawatta area and the raiding party recovered over 900kg of Kerala cannabis, 02 pistols, 04 magazines and 40 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle. Thus, 02 suspects in connection to the incident, the stock of Kerala cannabis together with the 02 pistols, 04 magazines and 40 rounds of ammunition were taken into custody.

Based on information divulged by the suspects, another car and an individual believed to be connected to the same smuggling act were also apprehended.

Meanwhile, the gross street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis held in this operation is believed to be over Rs. 202 million.

The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Ulukkulama, Pothanegama, Nochchiyagama, Ihalagama in Anuradhapura, from 44 to 51 years of age. The suspects along with the stock of Kerala cannabis, pistols and vehicles were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau, Colombo for onward legal action.