Navy takes hold of over 839kg of heroin, methamphetamine and hashish in southern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy continues to carry out extensive operations to curb the smuggling of narcotics into the country, in its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safer nation. Acting on credible information, the Navy conducted a special operation in the southern seas on the morning of 14 Oct 25 and recovered fifty-one (51) sacks containing over 839kg of heroin, crystal methamphetamine (ice) and hashish, which had been abandoned at sea. The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) together with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, inspected the seized narcotics upon their transfer to the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour.

In line with the government’s vision of fostering “A drug-free country - A healthier citizen life”, the Sri Lanka Navy working in close coordination with local and international intelligence agencies as well as law enforcement authorities continues to carry out extensive operations to prevent illegal maritime activities, including narcotic trafficking, aimed at strengthening national and social security.

Acting on credible information shared by intelligence services, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a vigorous multi-day operation involving ships and craft from the Eastern and Southern Naval Commands. During this special operation, naval personnel discovered a suspicious consignment of abandoned sacks. Upon inspection, 51 sacks containing suspected narcotics were recovered. The seized consignment was subsequently brought to the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour, where an expert examination by the Police Narcotics Bureau confirmed the presence of 670kg and 676g of methamphetamine, 156kg and 542g of heroin and 12kg and 036g of hashish.

Speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister of Defense reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding future generations from the scourge of drugs, a grave threat to public safety and national security. He elaborated on the government’s “Ratama Ekata – National Operation” comprehensive national programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace from the country.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that by empowering all intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including the State Intelligence Service, the Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, Special Task Force, and the Coast Guard, to conduct independent and coordinated operations, drug raids have yielded remarkable success.

Commending the Sri Lanka Navy for its exceptional contribution in intercepting narcotics smuggling attempts through maritime routes in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, he underscored that the government views the spread of drugs as a national threat and remains firmly committed to building a drug-free nation.

He further noted the invaluable support extended by the public in providing crucial information that has strengthened ongoing operations, expressing his deep appreciation for their continued cooperation in this national effort.

The Deputy Minister of Defense reiterated that with the collective efforts and coordination of all stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding national security, no avenue exists for the smuggling of illegal substances, including narcotics, into the country via sea routes. He affirmed that any attempt to smuggle drugs under the pretext of fishing or to aid and abet such activities will be firmly prevented. He further assured that joint operations will continue under a unified strategy to eradicate this menace.

Due to intensified anti-narcotic operations by the Sri Lanka Navy and other agencies, drug smugglers were forced to abandon their shipments at sea. Consequently, this significant quantity of narcotics was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for legal proceedings.