In a major anti-narcotics operation off the northern coast, the Sri Lanka Navy has confiscated approximately 81 kilograms of illegal drugs with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 1.5 billion. The raid took place in the Kusumanthurei coastal area of Madagal, Jaffna, on September 27, resulting in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of a dinghy allegedly utilized for the smuggling operation.
The intercepted consignment contained approximately 45.5 kilograms of ICE (methamphetamine) and 35.7 kilograms of heroin. The high-seas operation was carried out by personnel from SLNS Agbo alongside Command fleet units, following actionable intelligence received by the Northern Naval Command. Following the seizure, the suspect, narcotics, and dinghy were formally handed over to the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau for further legal action.
Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara revealed that the bust marks the largest combined haul of ICE and heroin ever apprehended by the Navy in northern waters. He further noted that five-kilogram packages of ICE were discovered within the consignment, representing the first such discovery of this specific packaging style during maritime operations. The Deputy Minister added that naval forces have seized narcotics valued at over Rs. 56 billion so far in 2026, building upon successful operations in 2025 that intercepted illicit drugs worth more than Rs. 75 billion.
Key Developments
- Record Seizure in Northern Waters: Naval forces intercepted 81 kg of combined ICE and heroin worth over Rs. 1.5 billion off the Jaffna coastline.
- Novel Packaging Intercepted: Authorities discovered five-kilogram ICE packages for the first time during a naval raid.
- Substantial Enforcement Figures: The seizure brings total naval drug interceptions to over Rs. 56 billion in 2026, following over Rs. 75 billion seized in 2025.
- Suspect and Equipment Custody: One suspect was arrested and a dinghy seized, with all items transferred to the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando emphasized that targeted operations against maritime drug trafficking will continue unabated in close cooperation with local and foreign intelligence agencies, the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Narcotic Bureau, and other law enforcement partners. Members of the public with information regarding drug trafficking activities are encouraged to contact authorities via the hotlines 1818 or 1997.