On information received from Military Intelligence, troops of the 20 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment in the 12 Division under command to the Security Force HQ – Central on Monday (15) raided a Cannabis (Ganja) cultivation in the general area of Tanamalwila and destroyed it.

The illegal crop cultivation, grown in about 2 acres of land has been done secretly inside jungle areas to the value of about Rs 7 lakhs. Troops pulled out all plants and destroyed the crops under the supervision of the Police.

Meanwhile, troops with Policemen arrested three suspects with 25 kg of dried Ganja packets from the same location. Thanamalwila Police are conducting investigations and pursuing necessary onward proceedings.

The overall raid was directed by Major General Ranjan Lamahewa, Commander, Security Forces – Central.

The whole operation was supervised by Major General Prasanna Ranawaka, General Officer Commanding 12 Division in line with instructions that have been issued by General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army who wanted troops to support the Presidential directive on eradication of drugs from the country.