Navy seizes multiday fishing trawler carrying more than 245kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine valued over Rs. 3190 million, in seas west of Hikkaduwa

In a major operation against drug trafficking, the Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multiday fishing trawler carrying narcotics, at sea about 28 nautical miles (50km) west of Hikkaduwa. Acting on coordinated intelligence efforts by the Navy, Police Narcotic Bureau and other intelligence services a Fast Attack Craft intercepted the suspicious fishing trawler. Upon being escorted to the Galle harbour this morning (05th January 2024), it was inspected in coordination with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and over 245kg (including packages) of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and heroin valued over Rs. 3190 million recovered from the trawler. The operation also led to the apprehension of 06 suspects involved in the illegal narcotics smuggling attempt. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera personally inspected the seized consignment upon his arrival at Galle harbour this morning.

To realize the national aspiration of eliminating the drug menace, the Navy is actively engaged in anti-drug operations across the country's maritime zones and is closely collaborating with law enforcement agencies to conduct regular operations in pursuit of this objective.

The special operation was a result of coordinated intelligence efforts by the Naval Intelligence, Police Narcotic Bureau and other intelligence services. Accordingly, the Fast Attack Craft intercepted the fishing trawler which was at sea about 28 nautical miles (50km) west of Hikkaduwa, on the evening of 04th January. Subsequently, it was escorted to the Galle harbour for further investigation.

During search of the trawler by the Navy with Coast Guard this morning, about 189kg and 388g (including packages) of Ice in 130 parcels and around 55kg and 648g (including packages) of heroin in 48 packages were recovered, having stuffed in 08 sacks. In addition to the narcotics, the Navy apprehended 06 Sri Lankan nationals aboard the fishing trawler.

Meanwhile, the street value of the seized drugs is believed to be more than Rs. 3190 million.

The suspects, aged between 28 to 66 years and hailing from Galle, Beruwala and Galgamuwa areas, the consignment of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler held in this operation was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

Going by the directives of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe and under the guidance of the Secretary of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) a range of anti-drug operations are being conducted across the island in order to eradicate the menace of drugs from the country. In this regard, the Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with intelligence services, plays a pivotal role under the able leadership of 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, continuing operations to apprehend drug smugglers.

Also, in partnership with the law enforcement agencies, the Sri Lanka Navy will continue to carry out operations to nab such persons who are involved in drug smuggling under the guise of fishing activities. It is in this backdrop, the Navy is urging the public to share information regarding individuals involved in drug smuggling, posing as fishermen, with the Navy or law enforcement agencies, as they strive to help protect the future generations of the country from the harmful impact of drug-related activities.