Navy seizes trawler smuggling sacks suspected to contain narcotics in southern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler suspected of smuggling a consignment of narcotics during an operation conducted on the high seas, off the south coast.

The trawler and suspects being escorted to shore for comprehensive investigation and further details regarding the developments will be released in due course.

On 05 November 2026, a naval operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler, apprehending 5 suspects and seizing over 132 kg of methamphetamine (Ice) and more than 57 kg of heroin.

As part of the ‘A Nation Unite’ national mission, the Navy has seized more than 2773kg of Ice and over 2130kg of heroin, valued over Rs. 114 billion of street value, and produced for onward legal action.

Additionally, the Navy has seized narcotics valued more than Rs. 73 billion during operations mounted thus far in 2026.