Sri Lanka Navy Seizes Over 2.6 Tonnes of Narcotics in Seven-Month Anti-Drug Operations
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized more than 2.6 tonnes of narcotics during a series of anti-drug operations conducted between January and July 2026, significantly disrupting suspected international drug trafficking networks operating through maritime routes.
The operations were carried out as part of the government’s national anti-drug initiative, “A Nation United”, while the Navy continued strengthening surveillance and patrol activities across Sri Lanka’s maritime borders.
Major Maritime Drug Seizures
During the seven-month period, the Navy intercepted several local multi-day fishing trawlers suspected of being used to transport illegal narcotics into the country.
The seized narcotics were handed over to relevant law enforcement authorities for further investigations and legal action.
According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the operations resulted in the seizure of:
- 256.200 kilograms of cocaine
- 1,080.894 kilograms of heroin
- 667.695 kilograms of Kerala cannabis
- 590.806 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice)
- 56.091 kilograms of hashish
Among the seized drugs, heroin recorded the highest quantity, with more than one tonne intercepted during the period.
Joint Effort Against Drug Trafficking
The Navy said the successful operations were conducted through coordinated maritime surveillance missions involving the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force, Police Narcotics Bureau, and foreign intelligence agencies.
The operations were carried out under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence.
Authorities stated that the combined efforts have helped prevent large quantities of narcotics from entering Sri Lanka through sea routes and have disrupted networks involved in international drug trafficking.
Navy Strengthens Maritime Security
The Sri Lanka Navy reaffirmed that it will continue conducting anti-drug operations and enhancing maritime security measures to prevent the illegal transportation of narcotics through Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
Officials said continuous surveillance and intelligence-based operations will remain a key priority in combating drug trafficking and protecting national security.
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