Rs. 1.5 billion: More details emerge on massive Jaffna drug haul

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized approximately 81 kilograms of ICE and heroin with an estimated street value of more than Rs. 1.5 billion during an operation off the northern coast.

The seizure was made in the Kusumanthurei coastal area of Madagal, Jaffna, on September 27, with one suspect arrested and a dinghy allegedly used for the smuggling operation also taken into custody.

According to the Navy, the haul consisted of approximately 45.5 kilograms of ICE, or methamphetamine, and 35.7 kilograms of heroin. The drugs, suspect and dinghy were handed over to the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau for further legal action.

The Navy said the operation was carried out by personnel from SLNS Agbo and Command fleet units following information received by the Northern Naval Command.

Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said the seizure was the largest haul of ICE and heroin apprehended by the Navy in northern waters. He also said five-kilogram packages of ICE were found among the consignment, describing it as the first such discovery.

The Deputy Minister said the Navy had seized narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 56 billion so far in 2026, after seizures valued at more than Rs. 75 billion in 2025.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando said operations against maritime drug trafficking would continue in cooperation with local and foreign intelligence agencies, the Police, Police Narcotic Bureau and other agencies.

The public has been urged to provide information related to drug trafficking through hotlines 1818 or 1997. (Newswire)

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