Navy takes hold of over 376kg of heroin and methamphetamine with 06 suspects in Southern seas

The Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, apprehending six (06) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotic substances. The narcotic-laden trawler and the suspects were brought to the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour on 20 Nov 25.

A special investigation at Tangalle Fisheries Harbour by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the Navy’s seizure included over 261kg of methamphetamine (ice) and more than 115kg of heroin, in 18 sacks. In addition to the narcotic stash, the Navy recovered a revolver (01), a pistol (01), two magazines (02) and a satellite phone (01) as well. 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.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister of Defence declared that the government is intensifying its fight against narcotics with coordinated raids across the entire island. Reminding of the government's vision for “A drug free country - A healthier citizen life”, he warned smugglers that there is no room for smuggling activities and emphasized them to quit such nefarious acts which have detrimental effect on the society.

He added that the government's top priority is national security and the safety of its citizens. As part of this commitment, the dedicated national mission is being successfully conducted, seizing large quantities of narcotics, with the goal of completely eliminating the menace. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies operate independently in these efforts and are achieving significant results.

The Deputy Minister of Defence announced that, under the Hon. President's directive and supervision of the ministry a strategic plan is being executed to dismantle drug and organized crime networks. This plan unifies the efforts of all intelligence services, both local and foreign, with the armed forces and law enforcement. This enhanced coordination, especially between the Navy, Coast Guard, and Police units, has resulted in multiple successful operations and arrests against maritime-based crime in the past few months, he opined.

Commending the Sri Lanka Navy for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s future generations from the scourge of narcotics and protecting the country from this growing social threat, he urged the fishing community to furnish any details of those involved in narcotic smuggling to law enforcement authorities.

He also acknowledged the valuable contribution of media institutions and journalists who continue to provide responsible coverage to raise public awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.Meanwhile, the suspects along with the haul of narcotics, firearms and the trawler held in this operation were handed over to the PNB for onward investigations and legal proceedings.