Sri Lanka Navy seizes illegal drugs with street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion

Illegal drugs with a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion have been seized by the Sri Lanka Navy through land-based operations and maritime surveillance conducted under the "Ratama Ekata" National Operation to eradicate illicit drugs, Navy Media Director Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said.

He made the remarks at a special media briefing held today (25) at the Ratama Ekata National Operation Headquarters and Media Centre.

Commander Walakuluge said that during the past nine months, naval operations at sea had led to the arrest of more than 300 individuals and the seizure of 53 vessels. The seizures included 1,080 kilograms of heroin, 590 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 256 kilograms of cocaine, 862 kilograms of cannabis, 55 kilograms of hashish and more than four million narcotic tablets.

He said the Navy continues to conduct maritime surveillance operations while also carrying out awareness programmes aimed at protecting young people from illicit drug use. The operations are being conducted jointly with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force and Police Narcotics Bureau, among other agencies, he said.

Continuous surveillance is being carried out using both conventional and technology-based methods, and the support provided by the fishing community has been acknowledged. Commander Walakuluge requested the fishing community to continue providing information to the authorities to support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.