Sri Lanka Navy seeks more joint operations with India to curb drug smuggling

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Following the recent seizure of large quantities of narcotics in the Indian Ocean by the Indian Navy, the Sri Lanka Navy is looking to enhance collaborative deployments and operations with its Indian counterparts, especially in the high seas, to combat narcotics trafficking.

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera said that the Sri Lanka Navy received assistance from the Indian Navy for the first time during a successful operation last week in the high seas.

In a swift and coordinated effort, the Indian Navy intercepted two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing boats smuggling narcotics in the Arabian Sea.

The operation, carried out on November 24 and 25, resulted in the seizure of approximately 400 kg of crystal meth. The two Sri Lankan fishing vessels, along with the suspects onboard, were escorted back to the Colombo Port by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Gajaba vessel.

The operation was launched after the Sri Lanka Navy received credible intelligence regarding potential narcotics smuggling by these vessels.

Vice Admiral Perera said that, since there was no Sri Lankan naval ship in the Indian Ocean at that time, they sought assistance from the Indian Navy to seize the vessels.

“Upon receiving intelligence about possible narcotics trafficking in the high seas, the Sri Lankan authorities reached out to the Indian High Commission. The Defence Attaché acted promptly and involved the Indian Navy, deploying aircraft and high-tech drones to locate and track the smuggling vessels. Working closely with Sri Lankan authorities, two Indian Navy ships were dispatched to seize the narcotics-laden vessels,” he said.

One of the trawlers was found to be carrying about 400 kilograms of ‘Ice,’ while the other vessel was assisting in the operation.

Vice Admiral Perera said that the Sri Lanka Navy plans to increase collaborative deployments and operations in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in the high seas, alongside the Indian Navy to combat narcotics trafficking.
The Navy Commander also urged fishermen and the public to report any information regarding drug smuggling to the Sri Lanka Navy or the police to tackle the growing drug menace in the country.