100 kilos of heroin seized

Tuesday, 22 July 2014 00:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Narcotics Division of Customs Department yesterday seized a large heroin haul of over 100 kilograms today at the Orugodwatta container yard. Customs officials said the heroin hauls was hidden inside industrial grinding machines imported from Karachi, Pakistan. Customs arrested a suspect and the two Clearance officers responsible for clearing the shipment and seized the machinery. The suspects are to be questioned and the machinery will be dismantled to determine the amount and value of the heroin haul, officials said. This is the third such seizure in recent times. Last month the Special Task Force (STF) seized 85 kilograms of heroin during a special operation and arrested two suspects. Last week, the police recovered nine kilograms of heroin worth Rs. 63 million. Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said the police have arrested12 major drug traffickers and destroyed the illegal narcotic supply chain in the country. The Spokesman told state run radio that measures have been taken to arrest two more traffickers residing overseas. According to the Spokesman, 136 kilograms of illegal drugs have been seized and 315 people were arrested this year. He said an exhibition will be organized to enlighten the public on illegal businesses and the adverse effects of using narcotics. A large haul of heroin hidden inside grinding machines imported from Karachi, Pakistan was seized by the Sri Lanka Customs at the Orugodawatte container yard, Customs said yesterday. Customs said the heroin was packed inside three industrial grinding machines and this raid is thought to be the largest haul detected in the country. The total weight and the value of the heroin haul is yet to be accurately estimated – Pic by Sanjeewa Niroshna