Navy seizes fishing trawler carrying 66kg and 840g of heroin, valued over Rs. 1650 million, on high seas

The Sri Lanka Navy seized a local multi-day fishing trawler, on suspicion of smuggling drugs, during a special operation carried out on the high seas, west of Sri Lanka. The Navy deployed SLNS Suranimila for this special operation in which 06 suspects in connection to the illegal act were also held. The fishing trawler was escorted to Galle harbour, where a thorough inspection led to the discovery of about 66kg and 840g of heroin in 60 parcels, stuffed in 06 sacks. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value exceeding Rs 1650 million. Meanwhile, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera inspected the haul of narcotics at the Galle harbour today (15th November 2024).

To realize the national aspiration of eliminating the drug menace, the Navy is actively engaged in anti-narcotic operations across the country's maritime zones, in pursuit of this objective.

Accordingly, this special operation was mounted by the Sri Lanka Navy, based on intelligence information it received. Thus, the Navy mobilized SLNS Suranimila for this dedicated operation in which a suspicious local multi-day fishing trawler was intercepted on the high seas, west of Sri Lanka. Following inspection of the fishing trawler, the Navy found about 06 sacks, believed to be heroin. Accordingly, the naval personnel apprehended those 06 suspects aboard the trawler on 14th November and escorted the trawler to the Galle harbour for thorough inspection this morning.

During thorough inspection at the Galle harbour, the Navy found 60 parcels of heroin concealed in those 06 sacks. The packages of heroin weighed about 66kg and 840g. Meanwhile, the gross street value of the seized heroin is believed to be more than Rs. 1650 million.

The apprehended suspects, who are from 18 to 34 years of age, have been identified as residents of Mirissa area. The 06 suspects, together with the haul of heroin and the fishing trawler held in this operation will be handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

The Sri Lanka Navy 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. During naval operations conducted so far in the year 2024, the Navy has been able to seize narcotics valued at over Rs. 17483 million street value and has handed over those substances to authorities for legal proceedings.

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.