It is also reported that there about 25 such big time traders involved.

They operate in the city mainly from Borella, Dematagoda, Modera, Mattakkuliya, Dehiwela and Mount Lavinia. They smuggle in the contraband mainly from Pakistan and India using air and sea routes.

According to National Intelligence sources Colombo Airport is used for smuggling through the air route while Chilaw, Thoduwawa, Kalpitiya, Negombo, Galle, Beruwela and Devundara are noted places where heroin smuggled through sea route are brought in, source revealed.

Sources also said there are hundreds of sub dealers who purchase quantities weighing less than a kilo from these big time dealers and distribute it island wide for the retail market.

Maharagama, Werahera, Panadura, Negombo, Kurunegala, Kandy, Ratnapura, Galle, Balapitiya and Galle are places identified by the authorities where heroin is readily available for retail purchases.