Sri Lankan Authorities Seize Narcotics Worth Rs. 11.8 Billion in Major Anti-Drug Operation
October 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan maritime security forces have dealt a significant blow to suspected drug trafficking networks after recovering narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 11.8 billion in a joint operation involving the Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard.
The latest interception comes amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal drugs under the ‘A Nation United’ campaign, which began in October 2025. According to the Navy, narcotics seized through joint naval and Coast Guard operations since the initiative was launched have now surpassed Rs. 108 billion in estimated street value, with seizures worth more than Rs. 68 billion recorded during 2026 alone.
The operation was initiated after the Coast Guard received intelligence about a suspected narcotics consignment. Personnel subsequently searched a beach, where they discovered 10 sacks and 11 travel bags believed to contain illegal substances. A dinghy suspected of having been used to transport the cargo was also recovered.
Specialist examinations carried out with the assistance of the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) identified approximately 239.764 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as Ice, distributed across 200 packages. A further 321.941 kilogrammes of heroin, contained in 275 parcels, were also found.
The seized drugs and the boat have since been transferred to the PNB for further investigation and legal action. Authorities are expected to pursue inquiries into the origin of the consignment and those potentially involved in its transportation.
The recovered narcotics were inspected by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando and senior representatives of the Navy and Coast Guard, including Southern Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral H.N.S. Perera, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena and Director General Operations Rear Admiral Chaminda Karunasena.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Jayasekara said the Navy would continue to strengthen maritime surveillance and conduct intensified operations around Sri Lanka to protect national security and prevent the movement of illicit substances.
He stressed that tackling the drug trade required sustained cooperation among the Armed Forces, Police, PNB, Special Task Force and intelligence agencies, including international partners. Such coordination, he said, was essential to disrupting trafficking routes and stopping narcotics from reaching local communities.
The Deputy Minister also called on members of the public to assist the authorities by providing information through the dedicated hotlines 1818 and 1997. He highlighted the media’s contribution to educating the public about the dangers of substance abuse and the wider social consequences of drug trafficking.
The Navy said it would continue working alongside the Coast Guard, intelligence services and other law enforcement bodies to strengthen maritime security and curb the smuggling of narcotics into the country. The latest operation underscores the continuing scale of the challenge facing authorities as they seek to dismantle drug supply networks and limit the availability of dangerous substances in Sri Lanka.
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