In a successful search operation, the Sri Lanka Navy seized a stock of smuggled cosmetic products adrift in the Kiranchi sea area, north of Mannar on 16 Apr 25.

The Navy promptly responded to a sudden fire that broke out on a fishing trawler at the Galle Fisheries Harbour on 14 Apr 25.The blaze was first spotted by personnel on board SLNS Prathapa, stationed nearby.

A search operation conducted by the Navy in the beach and sea areas of Karukapane, Udappuwa on 13 Apr 25 led to the seizure of about 145kg of dried turmeric, attempted to be smuggled into the country. During these operations, the Navy also apprehended 06 suspects in connection to the act of smuggling.

Acting on credible information, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a special operation on the high seas on 11 Apr 25, apprehending 06 suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler, believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotics. Subsequently, the intercepted trawler was brought to Dikkowita Harbour, where a thorough inspection was carried out with the assistance of Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) experts, leading to uncover approximately 77kg and 484g of heroin and 42kg and 334g of methamphetamine (Ice). The consignment, which had been meticulously hidden in the trawler, was handed over to the PNB for onward legal action on 12 Apr.

In a series of search operations conducted by the Navy with the assistance of Fisheries Inspectors from 25 Mar to 07 Apr 25, forty-three (43) individuals involved in various illegal fishing activities were apprehended. The operations were conducted in Palameenmadu, Vankalai, Mandativu, Irakkandi, Ullankali, Valachchanei, Urani Lagoon, Oluthudai, Kadeikadu, Chundikulam, Nawakkadu Lagoon, Vavunativu Lagoon and coastal and beach areas of Valeipadu. The individuals were caught engaging in practices such as illegal night diving, illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, fishing with explosives and use of unauthorized fishing nets.

In coordinated efforts, the Sri Lanka Navy, along with the Negombo Excise Department and the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB), carried out separate raids in Kochchikade and Mawanella areas on 10 Apr 25. The operations led to the confiscation of around 2,554 kg of smuggled Kendu leaves, along with 02 lorries and 01 van used to transport those smuggled items. The Navy also apprehended five individuals in connection to these incidents.

A special search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in the Daluwa area of Norochcholai on 10 Apr 25 resulted in the interception of a cab, while smuggling about 1142kg and 700g of dried turmeric. The operation also led to the apprehension of a suspect in connection to this smuggling act.

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police on 09 Apr 25 in Pitipana, Negombo and Keselwatta, Colombo led to the interception of a lorry and a car for smuggling about 205kg and 958g of Kerala cannabis and arrest of 02 suspects.

A coordinated operation conducted by the Navy and Police STF in the sea and beach areas of Uduththurei, Kilinochchi on 08 Apr 25 resulted in the seizure of about 304kg and 600g of Kerala cannabis. The operation also led to the arrest of a suspect (01) and a dinghy (01) in connection to the smuggling racket.

Acting on credible information, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a special operation on the high seas on the morning of 05 Apr 25, apprehending seven (07) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler, believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotics. Subsequently, the intercepted trawler was brought to Dikkowita Harbour, where a thorough inspection was carried out with the assistance of Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) experts, leading to uncover approximately 191kg and 752g of heroin and 671kg and 452g of methamphetamine (ice). The consignment which had been meticulously hidden in the trawler, was handed over to the PNB for onward legal action.