By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

During the preliminary investigations into the seizure of over 219kg of heroin at Polwathumodara in Weligama, it was revealed that the main person involved in the drug trade is a Sri Lankan living in Dubai.  

Eleven suspects have been arrested with the heroin when they attempted to smuggle it into the island by sea in Weligama yesterday morning during a special search operation conducted by the Navy.  
The street value of the seized consignment of heroin is believed to be over Rs. 1758 million.  

The contraband of narcotics was seized when it was brought in a small boat. The heroin was found concealed in gas tanks and gunny bags.  

A multi-day fishing trawler that left the Kottegoda fisheries harbour for fishing on May 11 had reportedly collected and shifted the consignment of heroin into the small boat.  

It is suspected that the consignment of narcotics had been collected by the trawler from foreign smugglers in international waters.  

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that the drugs had been sent from the Iran-Pakistan border.  The suspects aged from 26 to 43 years of age were identified as residents of Weligama, Ahangama, Dikwella, Kottegoda, Ihalawatta, Mirissa, Polwathumodara and Piliyandala.