Navy Seizes Drugs Worth Rs. 75 Bn, Arrests 376 Suspects in 2025 Operations

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Navy says 376 suspects were arrested and drugs worth approximately Rs. 75,000 million were seized during operations conducted last year across the country’s coastal areas and sea zones.

The Navy said the seizures included 1,050 kilograms of heroin valued at over Rs. 25,206 million and 2,982 kilograms of ICE worth more than Rs. 47,725 million, along with 11 local vessels and 169 suspects.

In addition, 5,768 kilograms of foreign cannabis valued at over Rs. 1,297 million were seized with 73 suspects and 19 vessels, while 257 kilograms of local cannabis worth over Rs. 19 million were recovered from 11 suspects.

The Navy further reported the seizure of 1,683,722 narcotic pills worth Rs. 168 million, 33 kilograms of hashish valued at Rs. 100 million, and 420,385 foreign manufactured cigarettes worth Rs. 42 million, along with multiple suspects and vessels.

Also seized were 67,200 kilograms of tendu leaves with a street value exceeding Rs. 470 million, which were being illegally brought into the country.

These were recovered along with 64 suspects and 64 vessels and referred for further legal action.

The Sri Lanka Navy said it is making a significant contribution to the national operation titled ‘A Nation United’, aimed at freeing future generations from the drug menace, adding that drug raids have been intensified in collaboration with local and foreign maritime stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.