The Sri Lanka Navy has confiscated narcotics valued at over Rs. 18,790 million through operations conducted in 2024, according to Navy Media Director Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya. This staggering figure highlights the Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in Sri Lankan waters.
In one of the latest operations on November 16, Navy personnel intercepted a multi-day fishing vessel in the deep sea, approximately 110 nautical miles west of Sri Lanka. The operation led to the seizure of over 46 kilograms of heroin, concealed in sacks on the vessel. The estimated street value of the seized heroin is over Rs. 1,152 million.
The Navy also apprehended five individuals aboard the vessel, all residents of Gandara, aged between 23 and 33. The suspects, along with the vessel and the narcotics, were brought to Galle Harbour on November 18 and handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation.
Captain Wickramasuriya emphasized that this operation is part of the Navy’s broader anti-narcotics campaign, which has intensified throughout the year to prevent Sri Lanka from being exploited as a transit hub for international drug trafficking. The Navy’s vigilant surveillance and intelligence-driven operations continue to play a critical role in disrupting the narcotics trade in the region.
The success of these efforts underscores the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation from the devastating effects of drug trafficking, both socially and economically.
