Sri Lankan Navy seizes over Rs 600 million worth drugs, role of Pakistan ISI suspected

As a result of continuing crack down on drug trafficking and other illegal activities operated via sea routes, strengthening the Government's joint mechanism to combat the drug menace, the Navy was able to seize a multi day fishing trawler with drugs off Dodanduwa, Galle a couple of days ago.

In the same vein, the Western Naval Command today intercepted a suspicious multi day fishing trawler off Negombo and apprehended 04 suspects with over 100kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and about 80kg of Hashish being transferred aboard, read an official statement issued by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The narcotic substance had been concealed in 09 sacks, as plastic containers and small packets.

Meanwhile, the street value of the stock of narcotics held during the operation is believed to be over Rs. 600 million.

The coordinated operation was carried out with the assistance of intelligence services and Police Narcotic Bureau.

The suspects held during the operation were identified as residents of Thoduwawa area in Chilaw. The operation was also assisted by Sri Lanka Air Force.

Meanwhile, the role played by Pakistan's ISI is doubted here.

The increasing role of Chinese nationals along with ISI backed Pak cartels has been witnessed in drug smuggling. The Chinese control over Gwadar and ports on the African coast and Humbantota facilitate drug smuggling, Zee News reported.

All the drug boats originate from Gwadar. This is possible only with Pakistan's ISI support otherwise such large-scale smuggling to many countries is impossible. As the drugs are exchanged far away from the coastline in mid-sea, the Pak origin boats are rarely caught. Only when the receiving boats come to the shore they are caught, the news channel reported.