Anti-Narcotic Command to curb Smuggling will be formed – Sagala

Chief of the Presidential Staff and National Security Senior Advisor Sagala Ratnayake announced the establishment of an ‘Anti-Narcotic Command’ to combat the influx of drugs from foreign nations into Sri Lanka. This initiative will empower the country’s Armed Forces and the State Intelligence Service to collaborate with international intelligence agencies in conducting necessary operations.

Ratnayaka yesterday (24) while inspecting the recent seizure of 200 kilograms of heroin valued at Rs.4 billion, which was intercepted in the high seas and brought to the Colombo Port on Monday (23).

Based on data obtained from a collaborative mission involving the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship ‘Samudraraksha’ was dispatched on a deep-sea mission around 91 nautical miles (168 km) to the west of Galle. During this operation, a shipment of heroin was intercepted and subsequently transported to the Colombo Port.

He emphasized that the drafting of essential legislation to create this ‘Anti-Narcotic Command’ is currently underway and will soon be presented to the Parliament.

Ratnayaka underscored that while 65% of drug raids result in arrests, the remaining 35% continues to infiltrate the country. He stressed the urgency of implementing a modern program aimed at entirely preventing the entry of drugs into our country.

Ratnayaka congratulated the Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau for successfully apprehending 200 kilograms of heroin. Remarkably, this marks the second substantial drug seizure within a brief span of time.

The initial operation was executed based on intelligence provided by the Police Narcotics Bureau, while the most recent operation, according to information from the State Intelligence Service, was carried out by the Navy. The widespread global network of drug trafficking necessitates on-going efforts to safeguard our population from this peril.

In collaboration with the Navy, Police and various government agencies, Sri Lanka actively conducts drug raids. These endeavours result in the apprehension of around 65% of drugs attempting to enter the country, with the remaining 35% still making their way in. According to the latest intelligence, these drug shipments arrive at the international maritime border via large vessels and are subsequently transported into the country via smaller boats. This expansive drug network poses a significant challenge.

There is a concerning possibility of arms trafficking intertwined with these drug trades. Vigilance in this regard is paramount, as it could pose a substantial threat to national security. To address these challenges, the development of new legislation is underway, with the creation of an Anti-Narcotic Command in progress. Proposed laws are in preparation and will be presented to the Parliament for future implementation.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and a group of high ranking officers of the Navy were also present on this occasion.

Navy intercepts another trawler with  over 200 kg heroin valued over Rs. 4,500 Mn

The Sri Lanka Navy mounted a special operation and intercepted a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler on high seas about 292 nautical miles (about 540 km) south of Dondra, by deploying SLNS Vijayabahu based on intelligence information received from the State Intelligence Service.

The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler with over 219 kg (including packages) of heroin and five suspects aboard were escorted yesterday morning (24) to the Colombo Port .The Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, arrived at the Port to inspect the seized cache.

During this operation led by the Navy, upon receipt of intelligence information to Naval Intelligence through State Intelligence Service, SLNS Vijayabahu intercepted the local fishing trawler on suspicion, about 292 nautical miles (about 540 km) south of Dondra in the dark hours of October 19. Subsequent search revealed that the trawler was smuggling nine sacks of narcotics, suspected to be heroin. Upon being brought ashore, the suspicious trawler underwent thorough search yesterday morning (24), where 200 packages of heroin, weighing around 219 kg and 634 g (including packages), contained in nine sacks were seized by authorities. The drug-carrying fishing trawler and suspects aboard were also taken into custody.

The street value of the seized consignment of drugs weighing around 219 kg and 634 g is believed to be over Rs. 4,500 million.

The suspects apprehended were identified as residents of Kudawella, Tissamaharama, Kottegoda and Mamadala areas, from 30 to 48 years.The suspects along with the stock of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for legal action. The Navy Commander paid a visit to SLNS Vijayabahu yesterday (24) and spoke to the Naval personnel involved in the recent drug seizure. He commended the crew for their unwavering commitment to the success of this anti-drug mission.

The Navy has effectively conducted several successful drug raids by coordinating intelligence services, aligning them towards a shared objective. It is in this backdrop, the Navy continues its relentless efforts, under the leadership of the Navy Commander who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs.

Sri Lanka Navy is committed to coordinating with other law enforcement authorities, to carry out anti-drug operations of this nature, in order to foil drug smuggling attempts being made in the guise of fishing. Thus, the Navy urges the fishing community to refrain from aiding or abetting such smuggling activities.

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