A stock of narcotics weighing over 150 kilograms has been found aboard a multiday fishing trawler seized during a joint raid conducted by the Navy and intelligence services in the deep sea off the southern coast. The vessel, taken into custody by the Navy yesterday (04), was brought to the Dikkowita fisheries harbour this morning (05), where 10 sacks found on board were inspected.
It is reported that five fishermen arrested during the operation were also brought to the Dikkowita harbour.
Details revealed by Deputy Minister
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, who arrived at the Dikkowita fisheries harbour, told the media that the haul contained over 100 kilograms of Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice) and over 50 kilograms of heroin. He noted that the street value of the consignment exceeds Rs 3 billion. The Navy is currently continuing to weigh and verify the seized narcotics.
The Deputy Minister stated that the government is taking all necessary steps to eradicate narcotics, adding that the police and the tri-forces have been directed to identify traffickers' operations and take required action.
Records of narcotics raids
In 2025, the Navy carried out raids detecting Rs 75 billion worth of narcotics, while drugs valued at over Rs 109 billion were seized nationwide under the 'Ratama Ekata' initiative. The Deputy Minister said that in 2026 so far, Navy operations alone have seized narcotics worth Rs 69 billion.
A total of 314,200 individuals have been arrested in these overall raids, with 1,050 of them identified as major traffickers. The Navy has seized 63 vessels, including 11 multiday trawlers, and arrested 353 individuals. The public is requested to provide any information regarding narcotics trafficking via the hotline 1818.
