Over 561kg of methamphetamine and heroin valued more than Rs. 11.8 billion seized at Naotunna beach, Thalalla
The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized 21 sacks and travel bags containing approx. 561kg and 705g of methamphetamine (Ice) and heroin during a joint operation conducted in the coastal area of Naotunna in Thalalla, Matara this morning, 24 October 2026.
The coordinated operation was mounted following credible information received by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. During the operation, search teams recovered 10 sacks and 11 travel bags suspected of containing narcotics on the beach, alongside a dinghy (1) believed to have been used to smuggle the consignment.
Subsequent examinations conducted with the assistance of the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the presence of approx. 239kg and 764g of Ice in 200 packages and approx. 321kg and 941g of heroin in 275 packs. The consignment of narcotics is believed to have a street value exceeding Rs. 11.8 billion. The seized narcotics and the dinghy were handed over to the PNB for further legal proceedings.
With this latest seizure, joint Navy–Coast Guard operations since the launch of the 'A Nation United’ national mission in October 2025 have netted narcotics valued over Rs. 108 billion in street value, including more than Rs. 68 billion of substances seized in 2026 alone.
The Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ananda Wijepala, and Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), along with Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, Commander Southern Naval Area Rear Admiral HNS Perera, Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena and Director General Operations Rear Admiral Chaminda Karunasena were present to inspect the seized narcotic consignment.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Minister of Defence stated that, in parallel with safeguarding national security, the Sri Lanka Navy continuously conducts intensified operations in waters surrounding the island, in support of the 'A Nation United' national programme against the drug menace. He added that joint operations involving the Armed Forces, Police, PNB, Special Task Force, and local and foreign intelligence agencies will continue to prevent narcotics from entering the country.
The Deputy Minister urged the public to support law enforcement agencies by sharing information through the dedicated hotlines 1818 or 1997, while acknowledging the role played by the media in raising public awareness about substance abuse.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, intelligence services, and law enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in the national effort to counter the menace of narcotics.