Multi-day fishing trawler seized with heroin off Dondra- Female owner and son arrested

The Sri Lankan Navy has seized a multi-day fishing trawler off the coast of Dondra, arresting its 59-year-old female owner and her 35-year-old son for their suspected role in a drug trafficking operation. Both suspects live in the Mirissa North area, according to police reports. They are charged with possessing, trafficking, and importing narcotics into Sri Lanka, along with aiding and abetting these crimes. The trawler was stopped by the Navy on March 15 in waters south of Dondra, where around 133 kilograms of heroin were found on board, as stated by Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara. Additionally, the Navy took five other individuals into custody who were on the trawler when it was intercepted. These five suspects, aged between 25 and 35, come from Mirissa, Kamburugamuwa, and Habaraduwa. They also face charges related to drug possession, trafficking, and importation. All individuals arrested are set to appear before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today. The Police Narcotics Bureau is continuing its investigation into this incident.