DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA 
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Sri Lanka Navy seizes over Rs. 28 Bn worth of drugs and contraband in 2024
The Sri Lanka Navy has reported significant achievements in its 2024 operations, seizing over 622kg of heroin, valued at Rs. 15.55 billion and more than 1,211kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE), worth Rs. 11.5 billion.
The operation also led to the confiscation of 1,752kg of Kerala cannabis, valued at Rs. 700 million, and 119kg of local cannabis, worth Rs. 23 million.
In addition, the Navy seized nearly 1.18 million prescription drugs, with a street value of Rs. 373 million.
These operations have resulted in the seizure of illicit goods with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 28 billion.
The Navy said they have taken legal action against 407 individuals, both local and foreign, involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal activities.
The operations, conducted in close collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies and maritime partners, have targeted various illicit trade routes and activities in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones.
These include cooperation with the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Narcotics Bureau, the Special Task Force (STF), the Excise Department, as well as the Indian Navy and Maldivian Coast Guard.
The Navy also played a key role in the destruction of 107,626 local cannabis plants, while 21 local fishing boats were intercepted, and 230 individuals were arrested for drug trafficking.
The Navy’s successful crackdown included the interception of 226 bottles of illegal liquor, 234,670 smuggled cigarettes, and 972 aphrodisiac drug pills. In addition, 11 elephant pearls and over 4kg of gold, which were being smuggled out of the country, were seized along with 14 suspects.
The Navy also seized over 65,687kg of smuggled Tendu leaves, more than 7,272kg of dried turmeric, over 368kg of ginger, 8330 bottles and 56786 packets of agrochemical, 727 cosmetic products and apprehended 81 Sri Lankan nationals, 03 Indian nationals and an Indian dhow in the past year.
The Navy also continues its vigilance in preventing human smuggling, with one boat intercepted from India carrying 20 individuals. The Navy said the suspects were handed over to authorities for legal action.
Looking ahead, the Sri Lanka Navy has aligned its operations for 2025 with the national "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, focusing on combating illicit activities, ensuring maritime security, and supporting Sri Lanka’s national maritime objectives.
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