The Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted a multi-day fishing trawler carrying more than 101 kilograms of narcotics in international waters south of Sri Lanka, far northeast of the Maldives, arresting five individuals on board.
The vessel, which was carrying six sacks of narcotics, was brought to Galle Harbour on November 13 for further investigation and legal proceedings, according to the Sri Lanka Navy.
An examination conducted in collaboration with the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the consignment contained approximately 58 kilograms and 736 grams of heroin packed in 52 parcels, and 43 kilograms and 134 grams of methamphetamine, commonly known as 'Ice', packed in 50 parcels.
The total quantity of drugs seized amounted to approximately 101 kilograms and 870 grams, with an estimated street value exceeding 1.5 billion Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately USD 4.5 million).
The five suspects, the seized narcotics and the fishing vessel were subsequently handed over to the PNB for further investigation and legal action.
The inspection of the seized drugs was attended by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, Southern Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral H.N.S. Perera, Director General of Operations Rear Admiral Chaminda Karunasena, and senior officials from the Navy and the PNB.
The Navy stated that joint operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard since the launch of the national mission in October 2025 have resulted in the seizure of narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding 115 billion Sri Lankan Rupees.
It further reported that drug seizures during 2026 alone have exceeded 74 billion Rupees.
The operation forms part of Sri Lanka's wider efforts to combat maritime drug trafficking through intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement operations
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