Based on information derived from a coordinated intelligence operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau, a drug-carrying local multiday fishing trawler was intercepted by SLCG Samudraraksha.
The intercepted local multiday fishing trawler was escorted to the Dondra fisheries harbour, where the careful search with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, over 212kg (including packages) of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE) were recovered from the trawler yesterday morning (22). The special operation mounted about 91 nautical miles (about 168km) off west of Galle, also led to the apprehension of several suspects aboard. Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera arrived at the Dondra fisheries harbour to inspect the seized consignment of narcotics.
The Navy collaborates closely with the country’s law enforcement agencies, conducting regular operations in the sea waters with constant vigil. During this dedicated operation led by the SL Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Samudraraksha intercepted the local fishing trawler on suspicion about 91 nautical miles (about 168km) off west of Galle in the evening of October 20. The suspicious trawler was escorted to the Dondra fisheries harbour for further search.
Upon being brought ashore, the trawler underwent a thorough search yesterday morning (22) where 160 packages of heroin, 
weighing about 180kg and 800g (including packages)and 28 parcels of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), weighing around 31 kg and 550 g (including packages), contained in 12 sacks were recovered. The drug-carrying fishing trawler and suspects aboard were also taken into custody.
The street value of the seized consignment of drugs weighing around 212 kg and 350 g held in this operation is believed to be over Rs.4,000 million.
The suspects apprehended in this operation were identified as residents of Dondra and Kottegoda aged 26 and 53. The suspects along with the stock of narcotic drugs and the fishing trawler were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for legal action.
The Navy has conducted several successful drug raids by coordinating intelligence services, aligning them towards a shared objective. It is in this backdrop, the Navy continues its relentless efforts, under the leadership of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to Combat the Use of Poisonous and Dangerous Drugs.
The Sri Lanka Navy has held drugs with a gross street value of over Rs.15,160 million during operations in 2023. Sri Lanka Navy is committed to coordinating with other law enforcement authorities, to carry out anti-drug operations of this nature in order to foil drug smuggling attempts being made in the guise of fishing.
