Five accused who were found guilty for possessing and peddling over 152 kg of heroin were yesterday sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court.
Following a lengthy trial, Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle observed that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt against the accused.
The accused are Chaminda Rohana Fernando, Anton Krishantha Fernando, Dulaj Ravindra Perera, L.Suranga Bolagnna and Tharindu Jayamal Fernando.
The sentence was imposed against the accused who were arrested with around 200kg grams of heroin while transporting in a fishing boat in the sea near Ratmalana area on November 2, 2019 by the Sri Lankan Navy.
It was revealed that said heroin stock was transported in eight bags of 25 kg each, hidden in the fish and ice storage compartment in the fishing vessel.
The Attorney General had filed an indictment under three counts in the High Court against these five accused for possessing and trafficking 152.37Kg of heroin.
The accused were found guilty for the all three charges against them and before sentencing them the Colombo High Court judge informed that each accused can declare anything they have to say before sentencing and it will be delivered to the President.
Accordingly, the first accused, who presented his statement from the dock, asked that any punishment be given to him and sought the release of the other four accused.
The other four accused declared from the dock that they were innocent fishermen and had nothing to do with this crime.
After considering the facts and the submissions made by the both parties appearing for the prosecution and defence, the all five accused were sentenced to death by the Colombo High Court.
Dilshan Tharaka