Matara:The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard have successfully seized over 561 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin during a joint operation in Naotunna, Thalalla, Matara. The operation led to the discovery of 21 sacks and travel bags containing these narcotics on the beach, along with a dinghy believed to have been used for smuggling.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the operation was conducted based on credible information received by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. The search teams found 10 sacks and 11 travel bags suspected of containing narcotics, which were later confirmed by the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) to contain approximately 239 kilograms and 764 grams of methamphetamine and 321 kilograms and 941 grams of heroin. The street value of the seized narcotics is believed to exceed Rs. 11.8 billion.

During the operation, the seized narcotics and the dinghy were handed over to the PNB for further legal proceedings. This seizure is part of the ongoing efforts under the ‘A Nation United’ national mission, which since its launch in October 2025, has led to the confiscation of narcotics valued at over Rs. 108 billion, including more than Rs. 68 billion in 2026 alone.

High-profile officials including the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ananda Wijepala, the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and key naval commanders were present to inspect the seized consignment. The Deputy Minister of Defence emphasized the continuous operations conducted by the Navy in collaboration with various agencies as part of the national programme against drug trafficking.

The Deputy Minister also called on the public to support law enforcement by providing information through dedicated hotlines and acknowledged the media’s role in raising awareness about substance abuse. The Sri Lanka Navy, along with the Coast Guard and other agencies, remains committed to combating narcotics trafficking across the nation.