In anti-drug operations carried out on 74 occasions

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a large consignment of illegal drugs worth over Rs. 15.86 billion street value during 74 operations in island waters and on high seas in last year alone.

The Navy has stepped up operations not only in coastal waters around the island but also in international waters in collaboration with other agencies to thwart all forms of illegal activities including the smuggling of drugs. 
In anti-drug operations carried out on 74 occasions, both in island waters and in exhausting operations on high seas, the Navy has seized over 1268 kg of heroin with 119 foreign and 22 local suspects.

Similarly, on 151 other occasions, the Navy was arrested 186 local and seven foreign suspects with over 7,095 kg of Kerala cannabis during the year 2021.

Further, 98 suspects were held with more than 158 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) in 73 operations conducted by the Navy.

Besides, the Navy collared 27 other suspects with over 69 kg of local cannabis in 16 operations and nine more local suspects with over 88 kg of Hashish during eight other operations mounted in the past year.

• The Navy has stepped up operations not only in coastal waters around the island but also in international waters in collaboration with other agencies to thwart all forms of illegal activities including the smuggling of drugs