Over 40,000 cannabis plants seized in major Army–STF raids

Based on intelligence received by the Sri Lanka Army Intelligence Unit, security forces conducted two large-scale raids in the Thanamalwila and Hambegamuwa areas, during which two cannabis cultivations covering more than two and a half acres were discovered, the Army said.

During the operation, one suspect was arrested, and the seized cannabis plants were destroyed on-site by burning, according to the Army.

The Army further stated that, in a joint operation carried out on the 12th by Army Intelligence officers and officers of the Special Task Force (STF) in the Balaharuwa area of Hambantota, Thanamalwila, approximately 19,800 cannabis plants cultivated with high concealment over about one acre were taken into custody.

In another joint raid conducted by Army Intelligence and officers of the Monaragala Divisional Crime Prevention Unit in the Unakanda, Aliwala area of Hambegamuwa, a cannabis cultivation of around one acre containing 23,250 plants was also uncovered, and one suspect was arrested.

The arrested suspect was handed over to the Hambegamuwa Police for further legal proceedings.

The seized cannabis plants were destroyed on-site under court orders and in accordance with legal procedures, the Army added.