Narcotics, prescription drugs valued over Rs. 28 Bn seized during Naval operations in 2024
The Navy’s operations in 2024 yielded impressive results, bringing to justice 407 persons, both local and foreign, involved in a wide array of illegal acts such as smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs and contraband as well as apprehending those involved in human smuggling. These operations were conducted in close coordination with law enforcement agencies and maritime partners in the region. The gross street value of narcotics and prescription drugs seized in these operations has been valued at over Rs. 28,158 million of street value.
The Sri Lanka Navy consistently carries out operations in partnership with regional maritime partners, to address an assortment of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, within the ocean region.
The Navy has collaborated closely with the Sri Lanka Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, Police STF, Excise Department and law enforcement agencies as well as the Indian Navy and Maldivian Coast Guard, actively sharing information during these operations. In such operations conducted in 2024, significant quantities of illicit substances were seized, including more than 622kg of heroin worth over Rs. 15,554 million of street value, more than 1,211kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) worth over Rs. 11,508 million of street value, more than 1,752kg of Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 700 million of street value, more than 119kg of local cannabis worth over Rs. 23 million of street value and 1,179,746 prescription drugs worth over Rs. 373 million of street value. In addition, based on information by the Navy, the Police and Police STF destroyed 107,626 plants of local cannabis. Additionally, 21 local fishing boats along with 230 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking have been apprehended and produced for onward legal action. Accordingly, the gross street value of narcotics and prescription drugs held in the operations in the past year has been valued at over Rs. 28,158 million.
Also, the Navy has arrested two suspects attempting to illegally sell 226 bottles of liquor as well as 234,670 illegal cigarettes, 972 aphrodisiacs (madana modaka) drug pills and 52 suspects in connection to those illegal acts. Moreover, 11 elephant pearls and over 4kg of gold, made ready to be smuggled from the country, with 14 suspects were held as part of the Naval operations in the year 2024. Apart from that, the Navy intercepted a craft with five individuals, for smuggling wild animals, through island waters.
The Navy also seized over 65,687kg of smuggled Tendu leaves, more than 7,272kg of dried turmeric, over 368kg of ginger, 8,330 bottles and 56,786 packets of agrochemical, 727 cosmetic products and apprehended 81 Sri Lankan nationals, three Indian nationals and an Indian dhow in the past year. Prevented from human smuggling and illegal migration efforts, the Navy held one boat from India and twenty persons for their involvement in human smuggling. Upon being held, they were handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.
As part of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ national initiative, the Sri Lanka Navy has strategised its operations for 2025, aiming to combat illegal activities, including drug trafficking in the country’s maritime zones, promote maritime stability and support the realisation of Sri Lanka’s national maritime aspirations.
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