A major drug bust took place on December 2, 2024, when over Rs. 3.38 billion worth of Crystal Methamphetamine was seized in a joint operation between the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Indian Navy. The drugs, along with two multi-day fishing trawlers and 11 suspects, were intercepted in the Arabian Sea and brought to the Colombo Port for further investigation and legal action. The operation, which was part of an ongoing intelligence collaboration between Sri Lanka and India, also involved the Police Narcotics Bureau in Colombo for further examination of the seized materials.
The haul of 355.828 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine was found packed in 295 plastic packages aboard one of the trawlers. The drugs are valued at an estimated street price of over Rs. 3.38 billion. The operation began when the Indian Navy intercepted the two Sri Lankan fishing trawlers on November 24 and 25, with assistance from the Sri Lanka Navy. The first trawler was discovered to be carrying the large consignment of narcotics, while the second trawler was suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation. The first trawler had six Sri Lankan nationals aboard, aged between 24 and 49, from areas such as Dondra, Gandara, and Monaragala. The second trawler carried five other suspects, aged between 32 and 54, all from Dondra.
On November 29, the Indian Navy handed over the narcotics, the two multi-day fishing trawlers, and the suspects to the Sri Lanka Navy at sea. The SLNS Gajabahu escorted the seized materials to the Colombo Port for a thorough inspection. Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, visited the port to oversee the inspection of the drugs, and was joined by Captain M. Anand, the Defence Attaché of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, during the inspection.
This drug bust follows a pattern of increasing collaboration between the Sri Lanka Navy and its regional maritime partners to combat drug trafficking. In a separate operation, on November 23, the Maldivian Coast Guard, working with Sri Lanka’s maritime forces, intercepted a local Sri Lankan fishing trawler that was found carrying 344 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine and 124 kg of Cocaine. This demonstrates the growing regional cooperation in curbing the illegal drug trade, with narcotics traffickers exploiting the fishing industry to transport illicit goods across borders.
The Sri Lanka Navy, in conjunction with other regional maritime agencies, continues to play a crucial role in intercepting drugs and smuggling operations in the Indian Ocean. The Police Narcotic Bureau has now taken custody of the suspects, the fishing trawlers, and the seized drugs, and legal proceedings will follow. This operation further underscores the need for ongoing intelligence sharing and collaboration to combat the international drug trade.
