Navy seizes Rs 1.5bn narcotic shipment in northern waters

The Sri Lanka Navy seized a narcotic consignment valued at over Rs 1.5 billion at the coastal area of Kusumanthurei of Madagal in Jaffna this morning, 27 September 2026, apprehending one suspect (1) and confiscating a dinghy (1).

Acting on credible information received by the Northern Naval Command, personnel from SLNS Agbo and Command fleet units intercepted the dinghy smuggling narcotics.

The investigations carried out with the assistance of the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau have identified approx. 45.5kg of Ice (Crystal Methampitamine) and 35.7kg of heroin among the seized consignment, totaling a cache of approx. 81kg of narcotics. The consignment of narcotics along with the suspect and the dinghy was handed over to the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau, Jaffna for onward legal action.

Addressing a media briefing at the Navy Headquarters in Battaramulla, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, joined by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando and Acting Director General Operations Commodore Chaminda Karunasena, highlighted the Navy's intensified operations under the ' A Nation United' national mission.

Under the 'A Nation United' national mission, the Sri Lanka Navy seized narcotics worth over Rs. 75 billion in street value last year and more than Rs. 56 billion so far this year, the Deputy Minister of Defence further opined.

Stressing that the Navy is working hand-in-hand with the Coast Guard, armed forces, Police, and intelligence agencies, both local and foreign, to seal off all routes for narcotics, he urged the public to report drug-related information via hotlines 1818 or 1997. He also commended the media's role in raising awareness of the drug menace.

Speaking on this occasion, the Navy Commander confirmed that the Ice(Crystal Methampitamine) and Heroin haul seized by the Northern Naval Command is the largest narcotics consignment ever apprehended by the Navy in the northern seas. He further emphasized that, under the ' A Nation United’ national mission, the Sri Lanka Navy, working alongside local and foreign intelligence agencies, maritime partners, the Police, and the Police Narcotic Bureau, remains relentless in its mission to bring drug smugglers to justice, towards realizing the vision of 'a drug-free nation and a healthy citizenry.

The Commander of the Navy particularly appreciated the support extended by the Ministry of Defence in providing modern technological equipment required for drug suppression operations, and stated that this support has enabled naval operations in a complex operational environment to be carried out with great success.

While remaining ever vigilant in supporting the fishing community's livelihoods, the Sri Lanka Navy will not permit any attempt to exploit fishing activities as a cover for drug smuggling. The Commander of the Navy reaffirmed the Navy's unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and Prosporous maritime domain.

Speaking on this occasion, the Acting Director General of Operations, Commodore Chaminda Karunasena, stated that the Sri Lanka Navy, utilizing modern technological equipment and tools, is continuously conducting operations in support of the 'A Nation United' national operation, carrying out surveillance from the coastal belt and territorial waters around the island to the high seas, in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Furthermore, commenting on this successful anti-narcotic operation, conducted at the Kusumanthurei coastal area where the consignment of narcotics was seized, the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardena, stated that the operation marked a continuation of the Navy's sustained efforts to eradicate the drug menace. He noted that a large consignment of narcotics being smuggled into the country via the northern sea route was successfully intercepted, and affirmed that similar operations will continue in the future to fulfill the Navy's responsibility in combating the narcotic threat.