SRI LANKA COAST GUARD SHIP SURAKSHA APPREHENDED AN INDIAN FISHING DHOW WITH 05 INDIAN FISHERMEN AND APPROX 434.8KG OF KERALA CANNABIS

Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha apprehended consignment of 434.8kg of Kerala cannabis while attempting to be smuggled from India on board an Indian dhow on 13th September 2022. During a routine patrol SLCGS Suraksha intercepted an infiltrated Indian dhow in Sri Lankan waters (37 nautical miles off Kudiramalei point), whilst attempting to transfer Kerala cannabis in 09 bags to Sri Lankan Fishing Trawler. Five Indian nationals and five Sri Lankan fishermen were arrested along with the dhow, and trawler which were used for the smuggling attempt.

The operation was conducted in complying with the COVID -19 prevention guidelines stipulated by health authorities. The seized consignment of Kerala cannabis handed over to SLNS Vijaya for onward legal procedures.