World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Navy seizes over 561kg of ice and heroin off Matara coast
A joint Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard operation has intercepted a major drug shipment off the southern coast. Preliminary investigations suggest the consignment is linked to known trafficking networks operating in the region.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard conducted a coordinated operation in the coastal waters of Naotunna, Thalalla in Matara district on October 24, resulting in the seizure of more than 561 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and heroin.
The substantial drug haul represents one of the larger narcotics interceptions in recent operations along the island's southern coast. Initial investigative findings indicate the consignment is believed to be connected to trafficking networks identified by law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have launched further inquiries to identify the individuals and criminal networks behind the shipment. The seizure underscores ongoing efforts by the Navy and Coast Guard to combat drug smuggling through Sri Lankan waters, a persistent challenge for security forces tasked with patrolling the country's maritime boundaries.
The captured narcotics have been placed in custody pending completion of the investigation and potential criminal proceedings.
Photo: Sri Lanka Navy ship P627 (formerly USCGC Douglas Munro), September 2022. Jordanroderick via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).