Detention Orders Given In Major High Seas Drug Bust

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court granted permission to detain and question six suspects until November 8 in connection with a record-breaking drug seizure involving ice (methamphetamine) and heroin.

The suspects were produced before Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB). 

Investigators informed the court that the arrests were made after the Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a multi-day fishing vessel named “Sidevi” off the southern coast. The vessel was escorted to the Dikwella Harbour, where authorities discovered a staggering 251.18 kilograms of ice and 85 kilograms of heroin on board.

Police told the court that the suspects were taken into custody under charges of drug importation and trafficking, and that inquiries are still ongoing. 

The PNB requested additional time to interrogate the suspects, citing the complexity of the investigation. 

The Magistrate granted the request and ordered the suspects to remain in police custody until November 8, with instructions to submit a progress report on that date.

Meanwhile, investigators revealed that preliminary questioning has uncovered links to a key figure named 'Dinuka' allegedly operating from Dubai, believed to be behind the smuggling operation. 

This information reportedly emerged during interrogations of the boat owner and other suspects.