Drug Bust News

Approx. 407 kg of smuggled Tendu leaves seized in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Wellamundalama area of Kalpitiya on 22nd June 2024, resulted in the seizure of approximately 407kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

23 Jun 2024

Two suspects held with local cannabis valued over Rs. 20 million in Tissamaharama

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy, Coast Guard and Police in Kirinda of Tissamaharama in the dark hours of 20th June 2024 led to the arrest of 02 suspects, who were preparing over 104kg of local cannabis for transportation, and seizure of a cab.

21 Jun 2024

Two (02) suspects with about 702kg of smuggled Tendu leaves held in Puttalam

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Daluwa area of Puttalam on 15th June 2024 resulted in the apprehension of 02 suspects and the seizure of approximately 702kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves, suspected to have been smuggled into the country. Additionally, the Navy also confiscated a three-wheeler made ready to transfer the consignment.

16 Jun 2024

Navy seizes local fishing trawler carrying about 131kg of heroin, valued over Rs. 3250 million, concealed in secret chambers of its hull

Based on intelligence information received from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a local multi-day fishing trawler, on suspicion of smuggling drugs, during a special operation carried out about 356 nautical miles (700km) off the Dondra Head, in southern waters. The Navy deployed SLNS Parakramabahu for this special operation in which 06 suspects in connection to the illegal act were also held. The fishing trawler was escorted to Galle harbour, where a thorough inspection led to the discovery of 131 kg 754 g of heroin concealed in secret chambers of its hull. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value exceeding Rs 3250 million. Meanwhile, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera inspected the haul of narcotics at the Galle harbour on 15th June 2024.

16 Jun 2024

Navy seizes stock of Kerala cannabis valued over Rs.109 million

Separate search operations conducted by the Navy on 13th June 2024 in the Kankesanthurai sea area and in the Thalayadi beach area of Jaffna with the Police Special Task Force (STF), led to the seizure of Kerala cannabis, weighing over 273kg.

13 Jun 2024

A suspect with 4600 foreign cigarettes held in Ragama

A combined search operation conducted by the Navy and Police STF in the Podiweekumbura area of Ragama on 11th June 2024 led to the arrest of a suspect with about 4600 foreign cigarettes.

12 Jun 2024

A suspect with prescription drugs held in Anuradhapura

A coordinated operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Food and Drugs Inspector unit- Anuradhapura led to the apprehension of a suspect and seizure of 918 prescription drugs, made ready for sale, in Anuradhapura on 11th June 2024.

12 Jun 2024

Two (02) suspects with Kerala cannabis valued over Rs. 28 million held in northern waters

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the Ampan sea area of Nagar Kovil, Jaffna on 05th June 2024, led to the apprehension of 02 suspects and a dinghy loaded with over 70kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis.

05 Jun 2024

A suspects held with 1440 Pregabalin capsules in Batticaloa

A coordinated operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Special Task Force (STF) - Kalladi led to the arrest of a suspect and seizure of 1440 Pregabalin capsules and a car in Batticaloa on 11th May 2024.

12 May 2024

Approx. 120kg of smuggled Tendu leaves seized in Kalpitiya

A search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the beach vicinity of Uchchamunai, Kalpitiya on the evening of 04th May 2024 led to the recovery of approx. 120kg (wet weight) of Tendu leaves. It is suspected that the stock of Tendu leaves has been smuggled via sea routes.

05 May 2024