PNB investigating SL fishermen nabbed with heroin in Indian waters

Sources said the Indian Coast Guard had officially communicated the arrests to the Sri Lankan authorities.

The Indian Coast Guard on the 25th of November seized drugs, including 100kg of heroin, from a Sri Lankan boat in the high seas south of Thoothukudi during a nine-day operation that started on November 17th.

According to Indian media, six crew members, who identified themselves as Sri Lankan nationals, have been detained and are being interrogated.

During their initial questioning, a report said the crew members told Coast Guard officials that the drugs were transferred onto the Sri Lankan vessel “Shenaya Duwa” on the high seas by a Pakistani dhow from Karachi.

The drugs were meant to be sent to western countries and Australia.

The Indian media report, quoting a second official associated with the operation, said Coast Guard officials had found 99 packets of heroin, 20 small boxes of synthetic drugs, five 9mm pistols and a Thuraya satellite phone set. The drugs had been hidden in an empty fuel tank on board.

According to the crew members, the boat is allegedly owned by resident of Negombo.