Navy seizes cocaine haul exceeding 255kg during maritime interdiction in western seas

In a decisive blow to drug trafficking, the Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler (01) carrying a stock of suspected narcotics during an operation conducted in the western seas off Beruwala. This operation, carried out under the national mission “A Nation United”, resulted in the apprehension of six suspects (06) and the seizure of the trawler used to smuggle the illicit substance.

Following the mid-sea interception, the trawler was escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour on the evening of 16 Mar 26. A meticulous examination conducted by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed that ten sacks (10) recovered from the trawler contained over 255kg consignment of cocaine.

The inspection was overseen by the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, and the Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva. Addressing the media, Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara emphasized that these operations are conducted under the supervision of the Commander of the Navy and the strategic guidance of the Ministry of Defence. He highlighted that the Navy has intensified its maritime surveillance to align with the government’s vision of eradicating the drug menace.

The Commander Western Naval Area further revealed the Navy's impressive track record for the first quarter of 2026, noting that collaborative efforts with the Coast Guard, the Police, the PNB, and the Special Task Force, bolstered by intelligence sharing with international agencies, have led to the seizure of 07 major smuggling boats. These operations have effectively prevented narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 20 billion from entering the country.

In line with government policy to eliminate harmful drugs and following directives from the Ministry of Defence, the Navy has ramped up joint anti-narcotic operations with law enforcement agencies across maritime areas. These efforts are focused on effectively preventing any attempt to smuggle narcotics into the country. He made a special appeal to the fishing community, urging them not to support drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, the seized narcotics, the trawler, and the six suspects were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for comprehensive investigation and subsequent legal action.