APD | Sri Lanka investigates Iranians on boat detained with heroin

By APD writer Easwaran

COLOMBO, Mar. 25 (APD) -- Sri Lanka, on Monday said that it was investigating a group of Iranians arrested on a boat transporting heroin.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate granted the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) approval to further detain and question nine Iranians arrested in Sri Lankan waters with heroin.

The nine Iranians were arrested on Sunday after a trawler they were travelling in was detained by the Navy and PNB in a joint operation.

The trawler was found to be transporting 107.22 kg of heroin.

The vessel was escorted to the Colombo harbour after being detained in the Southern Seas.

Investigations revealed that the crew of the vessel had dumped part of the heroin at sea.

The vessel is believed to have arrived from Pakistan when it was detected and detained in the southern seas.

On Monday the Police obtained a court order to further interrogate the Iranians.

Investigators said that they suspect the vessel is linked to a notorious Sri Lankan underworld leader Makandure Madush who was detained in Dubai recently.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)