Sri Lanka, March 13 -- The Sri Lanka Navy has handed over a large haul of narcotics and firearms seized from a multiday fishing trawler in the southern seas to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).

The trawler, intercepted in the deep southern waters on 11 March, was found carrying 654 kg of illegal drugs, including 176 kg of heroin and 478 kg of crystal methamphetamine (Ice).

Authorities also recovered two T-56 assault rifles, one firearm suspected to be an M16, eight pistols, and several magazines. The vessel was brought to Dikowita Fisheries Harbour on the morning of 12 March.

Sri Lanka Navy Media Spokesperson, Commander Buddhika Sampath, confirmed that a second vessel suspected of assisting in the smuggling operation was also seized....