Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the island with the aim of thwarting smuggling and illegal activities taking place via sea routes. Accordingly, SLNS Welusumana in the Northern Naval Command took hold of a consignment of Kerala cannabis washed ashore at Sampakulam and Kalmunai Point beaches, during foot patrols conducted in respective areas on 14th and 15th July. The seized stock of illegal drugs, weighing about 50kg and 900g (wet weight) were in 10 packages.

Similarly, SLNS Kanchadewa in the Northern Naval Command took hold of another stock of Kerala cannabis, during search operations and foot patrols carried out on 14th and 15th July in Allappiddi beach area on the Kayts Island. The stock of Kerala cannabis which had been piled up on the beach, were in 03 parcels weighing about 14kg and 480g (wet weight).

It is suspected that smugglers might have left behind those consignments, being unable to take them away due to naval operations in the area. The gross street value of Kerala cannabis held by the Navy in separate incidents is believed to be over Rs. 19 million.

The consignment of Kerala cannabis has been kept in naval custody until it is produced for onward legal proceedings.