Navy's vigilance at sea yields significant narcotics seizure, five in custody

In a major counter-narcotics operation, the Sri Lanka Navy apprehended five (05) suspects and seized a local multi-day fishing trawler carrying a consignment of suspected substances on the high seas off southern coast.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 11 sacks containing narcotics. Upon expert examination by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) this morning (24 Dec 25) at the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour, the seizure was confirmed to consist of 172kg of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) and over 21kg of heroin.

The seized narcotics stock was inspected by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) together with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya.

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 coinciding with the “A Nation United” National Mission. 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 emphasized that despite current humanitarian relief commitments due to the national disaster situation, there will be no room for drug trafficking, which severely impacts national security and public safety. He warned traffickers to desist from these socially destructive activities and affirmed that there is no escape for those involved.

The Deputy Minister detailed that, under the instructions of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, all local and foreign intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and the armed forces are intensively implementing strategic plans against drugs and organized crime. He highlighted the close coordination between the Sri Lanka Navy, Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force, PNB, and international partners in executing successful maritime interdiction operations.

He extended his gratitude to all personnel involved, particularly commending the Navy, on behalf of the President. The Deputy Minister also informed the public of the dedicated hotline 1818 for reporting drug-related information, with opportunities for rewards for accurate tips, and urged continued public support for law enforcement agencies. He appreciated the role of responsible media in educating the public on the dangers of narcotics.

The apprehended suspects, the trawler, and the entire stock of narcotics were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.