Drugs Worth Rs.10 Billion Seized in Southern Waters
13-Mar-2026.
The Sri Lanka Navy has recovered more than 600 kilograms of the narcotics “Ice” and heroin, valued at approximately Rs.10 billion, from 48 packages found aboard a deep-sea fishing vessel seized along with suspects in southern deep-sea waters.
Another fishing vessel travelling in the same area, allegedly assisting the drug smuggling operation, was also seized along with 10 suspects and 11 firearms, including T-56 rifles. They were brought ashore on March 12.
The vessels, both belonging to Sri Lanka, were operating in deep waters beyond the country’s southern maritime boundary when they were intercepted and arrested by the Navy several days ago.
Acting on intelligence provided by the Navy’s intelligence division, officers attached to the Navy’s long-range patrol fleet conducted a search operation in deep waters and apprehended the suspicious vessels.
During the operation, five suspects and one fishing vessel suspected of transporting drugs were seized. Further searches in the same maritime area led to the interception of another fishing vessel that had been travelling to assist the smuggling operation, along with five additional suspects.
The two vessels and the 48 large packages of narcotics recovered from them were brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour for further investigations.
The Navy confirmed that more than 600 kilograms of heroin and “Ice” were recovered from the seized packages. The vessels were also searched with the assistance of sniffer dogs.
Officials of the Police Narcotics Bureau estimated the total value of the seized drugs at approximately Rs.10 billion.
A large quantity of weapons was also recovered from the suspects, including two T-56 rifles, one M-16 rifle and eight pistols. A satellite communication device was also seized.
Preliminary investigations to verify the identities of the suspects were conducted after they were brought ashore.
Further investigations into the suspects and the seized narcotics are being carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau.
Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya visited the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour yesterday to oversee the operation.
