A total of five individuals have been apprehended over the seizure of over 830kg of narcotics in Southern seas yesterday (14).

The group has been arrested by Special Task Force (STF) personnel.

The boat allegedly used to smuggle the stock of heroin, crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice’) and hashish was also seized, police stated.

Acting on credible information, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation in the southern seas last morning and recovered 51 sacks containing 839kg of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and hashish, which had been abandoned at sea.

The seized consignment was subsequently brought to the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour, where an expert examination by the Police Narcotics Bureau confirmed the presence of 670kg and 676g of crystal methamphetamine, 156kg and 542g of heroin and 12kg and 036g of hashish.

Meanwhile, 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 its transfer to the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour.

Speaking to media, the Deputy Minister of Defense reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding future generations from the scourge of drugs, a grave threat to public safety and national security. He elaborated on the government’s “Ratama Ekata – National Operation” comprehensive national programme aimed at eradicating the drug menace from the country.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that by empowering all intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including the State Intelligence Service, the Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, Special Task Force, and the Coast Guard, to conduct independent and coordinated operations, drug raids have yielded remarkable success.

The Deputy Minister of Defense reiterated that with the collective efforts and coordination of all stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding national security, no avenue exists for the smuggling of illegal substances, including narcotics, into the country via sea routes. He affirmed that any attempt to smuggle drugs under the pretext of fishing or to aid and abet such activities will be firmly prevented. The Deputy Minister further assured that joint operations will continue under a unified strategy to eradicate the menace.