Navy takes hold of over 335kg of heroin and methamphetamine with 06 suspects in western seas

The Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation on the high seas west of Sri Lanka, the Navy apprehended six (06) suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler believed to be involved in smuggling of narcotic substances. The narcotic-laden trawler and the suspects were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour this morning (02 Nov 25).

A special investigation at Dikovita Fisheries Harbour by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the Navy’s seizure included over 250kg of methamphetamine (ice) and more than 85kg of heroin. The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) together with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, inspected the seized narcotics upon their transfer to Dikovita.

Working alongside the “A Nation United” National Mission, the Sri Lanka Navy in close coordination with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Armed Forces, Police, PNB and law enforcement authorities has intensified anti-narcotic across the island, with the aim of fostering government’s vision of “A drug-free country - A healthier citizen life”.

Acting on credible information received, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Navy was deployed to intercept this local multi-day fishing trawler that had been in the western seas, smuggling 16 sacks of narcotic substances.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister of Defence declared that the government is intensifying its fight against drugs with coordinated raids across the entire island. Reminding of the “A Nation United” National Mission, he warned smugglers to halt their operations or face the consequences of the ongoing crackdown.

He noted that, under the guidance of the Hon. President, the Ministries of Defence and Public Security have launched a joint programme to curb narcotic smuggling by sea and air. The Navy, working with local and international agencies, sister services, the Police, and the PNB, continues to conduct coordinated operations to block all entry routes, he opined.

Commending the Navy’s exceptional efforts to prevent narcotic inflow by sea, the Minister of Defence urged public support in the national drive against narcotics. He called on citizens to share information with law enforcement to protect future generations and appreciated the media’s vital role in raising awareness, stressing its responsibility to unite the nation against the menace of narcotics.

Meanwhile, the suspects along with the haul of narcotics and the trawler held in this operation were handed over to the PNB for onward legal proceedings.