Sri Lanka, April 17 -- Ten boats carrying narcotics were taken into naval custody within the first four months of the year, according to Deputy Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara.

While inspecting a seized shipment brought to the Dikowita harbor this morning (17), he noted that the total value of drugs confiscated during this period exceeds Rs. 50 billion.

The Navy intercepted a multi-day fishing vessel named "Denuwan Putha" in the deep seas south of Sri Lanka, discovering over 161 kilograms of heroin valued at more than Rs. 4 billion.

Four suspects, aged between 20 and 50 and residing in Devinuwara and Mirissa, were detained alongside a satellite telephone found on the vessel.

Authorities intend to produce th...