Navy intercepts local multiday fishing trawler with over 219 kg of heroin valued over Rs. 4500 Mn on high seas

Based on intelligence information received from the State Intelligence Service, the Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation and intercepted a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler on high seas about 292 nautical miles (about 540 km) south of Dondra, by deploying SLNS Vijayabahu. The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler with over 219 kg (including packages) of heroin and 05 suspects aboard were escorted this morning (24th October 2023) to the port of Colombo. The Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, arrived at the port of Colombo this morning to personally inspect the seized consignment of narcotics.

During this dedicated operation led by the Navy, upon receipt of intelligence information to Naval Intelligence through State Intelligence Service, SLNS Vijayabahu intercepted the local fishing trawler on suspicion, about 292 nautical miles (about 540 km) south of Dondra in the dark hours of 19th October. Subsequent search revealed that the trawler was smuggling 09 sacks of narcotics, suspected to be heroin.

Upon being brought ashore, the suspicious trawler underwent thorough search this morning (24th October), where 200 packages of heroin, weighing around 219 kg and 634 g (including packages), contained in 09 sacks were seized by authorities. Moreover, the drug-carrying fishing trawler and suspects aboard were also taken into custody.

Meanwhile, the street value of the seized consignment of drugs weighing around 219 kg and 634 g held in this operation is believed to be over Rs. 4500 million.

The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of Kudawella, Tissamaharama, Koottagoda and Mamadala areas, from 30 to 48 years of age. The suspects along with the stock of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Navy paid a visit to SLNS Vijayabahu today (24th October) and spoke to the naval personnel involved in the recent drug seizure. He commended the crew for their unwavering commitment to the success of this anti-drug mission.

At the directives of the President, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe and under the guidance of the Secretary of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), the Navy has effectively conducted several successful drug raids by coordinating intelligence services, aligning them towards a shared objective. It is in this backdrop, the Navy continues its relentless efforts, under the able leadership of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs. Sri Lanka Navy is committed to coordinating with other law enforcement authorities, to carry out anti-drug operations of this nature, in order to foil drug smuggling attempts being made in the guise of fishing. Thus, the Navy urges the fishing community to refrain from aiding or abetting such smuggling activities.