Navy seizes heroin haul exceeding 323kg during maritime interdiction in southwestern seas

In a decisive strike against the drug menace, the Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multiday fishing trawler (01) carrying a staggering haul of suspected narcotics in the seas southwest of the island. 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 Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour on the morning of 01 Apr 26. A meticulous inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) subsequently confirmed that the sacks (19) aboard contained more than 323kg of heroin.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, accompanied by the Commander Western Naval Area and the Director General Operations, visited the site to personally oversee the inspection. Addressing the media, the Navy Commander emphasized that these intensified surveillance efforts are carried out under the direct guidance of the Ministry of Defence. He highlighted that the Navy and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard have strategically coordinated operations across the island’s maritime zones to disrupt trafficking routes and ensure national security.

The Commander of the Navy stated that through surveillance operations conducted this year, the Navy has intercepted local multi-day fishing trawlers attempting to bring illegal substances. This has enabled the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics intended for smuggling into Sri Lanka. Furthermore, based on foreign intelligence received by the Sri Lanka Navy, continuous surveillance operations carried out off the Beruwala sea area over the past few days led to the recent (01 April) successful operation, he opined.

Also, he announced that a preliminary investigation into incident has confirmed the presence of over 323kg of heroin. The narcotics were discovered inside 298 parcels, which were found aboard the vessel. The 06 fishermen involved in this drug trafficking will be produced before the law, along with the communication equipment they had used to coordinate their activities, the Naval Chief stated.

Furthermore, the Navy Chief emphasized that the coordinated operations conducted by the Tri-Forces, Police, Police Special Task Force (STF), and the PNB under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence play a vital role in establishing law and order in the country. He noted that such efforts are instrumental in safeguarding the nation's future generation from the scourge of narcotics.

In a further revelation, the Naval Chief stated that so far this year alone, 07 local multi-day fishing trawlers have been apprehended by the Navy. The street value of the narcotics seized from these boats is estimated to be approximately Rs. 40 billion.

Moreover, the Navy Commander said that naval operations will continue 24 hours a day in a highly strategic manner to curb the threat of narcotics. He also urged individuals involved in drug trafficking, trade, and other affairs to withdraw from such activities. Furthermore, he requested the public to report information regarding those engaged in such offenses via the hotline numbers 1818 or 1997.

The 06 suspects, the fishing trawler, and the seized heroin were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for comprehensive investigation and onward legal proceedings.