Colombo: The Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation on the high seas west of Sri Lanka, apprehending six suspects along with a local multi-day fishing trawler believed to be involved in the smuggling of narcotic substances. The narcotic-laden trawler and the suspects were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour on November 25.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, a special investigation at Dikovita Fisheries Harbour by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the Navy’s seizure included over 250kg of methamphetamine (ice) and more than 85kg of heroin. The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) together with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, inspected the seized narcotics upon their transfer to Dikovita.

Working alongside the ‘A Nation United’ National Mission, the Sri Lanka Navy, in close coordination with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Armed Forces, Police, PNB, and law enforcement authorities, has intensified anti-narcotic efforts across the
island. This initiative aims to foster the government’s vision of ‘A drug-free country – A healthier citizen life’.

Acting on credible information received, an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Navy was deployed to intercept the local multi-day fishing trawler that had been operating in the western seas, smuggling 16 sacks of narcotic substances.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister of Defence declared that the government is intensifying its fight against drugs with coordinated raids across the entire island. He reminded the public of the ‘A Nation United’ National Mission and warned smugglers to halt their operations or face the consequences of the ongoing crackdown.

He noted that, under the guidance of the Hon. President, the Ministries of Defence and Public Security have launched a joint programme to curb narcotic smuggling by sea and air. The Navy, working with local and international agencies, sister services, the Police, and the PNB, continues to conduct coordinated operations to block all entr
y routes.

Commending the Navy’s efforts to prevent narcotic inflow by sea, the Minister of Defence urged public support in the national drive against narcotics. He called on citizens to share information with law enforcement to protect future generations and appreciated the media’s role in raising awareness, stressing its responsibility to unite the nation against the menace of narcotics.

Meanwhile, the suspects, along with the haul of narcotics and the trawler held in this operation, were handed over to the PNB for onward legal proceedings.