Navy seizes drugs worth over Rs. 55 b this year

Saturday, 26 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Navy Spokesman Commander Chaminda Walakuluge

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized illicit drugs estimated at more than Rs. 55 billion in maritime and coastal anti-narcotics operations so far this year, Navy Spokesman Commander Chaminda Walakuluge yesterday said.

Around 300 suspects and 50 vessels allegedly linked to local and international drug trafficking networks have been taken into custody during the operations, according to the Navy.

Walakuluge said the seizures included over 1,080 kg of heroin, 590 kg of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice’, and 256 kg of cocaine. The Navy also confiscated over 4 million narcotic pills, 51 kg of hashish and 55,000 kg of smuggled beedi leaves. A recent operation in the Gurunagar lagoon area led to the detection of around 800 kg of cannabis.

Trafficking networks use different sea routes to bring drugs into the country. Cannabis and beedi leaves are mainly smuggled through the Northern Sea, while heroin, crystal methamphetamine and cocaine are primarily transported through the Arabian Sea.

Walakuluge said the Navy has strengthened surveillance and interception in these areas to stop consignments from reaching the shore. It is also conducting community awareness programmes to prevent drug abuse, particularly among young people.

The Navy said its operations are focused on disrupting trafficking networks, supporting legal action against those involved and protecting communities from the impact of illicit drugs.