- Navy intercepts fishing trawler with over 800kg of heroin and crystal meth.
- Seven suspects arrested during the high-seas operation.
- Drugs were hidden in a Sri Lankan multi-day vessel.
- Authorities suspect link to international trafficking networks.
- Government pledges to intensify anti-drug efforts nationwide.
Sri Lanka’s navy has made its largest-ever drug bust, seizing over 800 kilograms of narcotics from a fishing vessel off the island’s western coast. The raid took place early Saturday during a high-seas operation.
The drugs—heroin and crystal methamphetamine—were hidden in a multi-day fishing trawler intercepted near Dikkowita Harbor, just north of the capital, Colombo. Officials arrested seven crew members. Authorities believe the seizure is tied to international criminal networks operating in Sri Lankan waters.
Record Haul
According to Sri Lanka Navy spokesman Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath, the confiscated drugs included over 671 kilograms of crystal meth, locally referred to as ICE, and more than 191 kilograms of heroin.
“This is the largest amount of drugs caught by the Sri Lankan navy from a multi-day fishing trawler,” Sampath told Arab News on Sunday.
The vessel was brought to Dikkowita Harbor, where the Police Narcotics Bureau conducted a full inspection. Officials noted the drugs were “meticulously hidden” inside the boat’s compartments, likely to evade maritime surveillance.
Suspects in Custody, Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have arrested seven suspects, all believed to be Sri Lankan nationals. They remain in custody while investigations continue. So far, the origin and intended destination of the vessel have not been confirmed.
The Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with local and international intelligence agencies, has increased its operations to disrupt such smuggling routes. Officials said the sea remains a preferred route for drug trafficking due to its logistical flexibility and lack of constant monitoring.
The suspects are being interrogated, and more arrests may follow if links to broader criminal syndicates are uncovered.
Navy Ramps Up Maritime Surveillance
In recent years, Sri Lanka’s territorial waters have become a transit point for international drug trafficking. The island’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean maritime routes makes it vulnerable to such operations.
The navy emphasized its ongoing efforts to tighten maritime security, stating in an official release: “No illegal substances, particularly narcotics, will be allowed to enter the country via sea routes.”
They also issued a warning: “Smuggling of narcotics disguised as fishing operations, or any attempt to aid and abet such activities, will be met with strict action.”
Officials highlighted recent cooperation with international intelligence agencies, which helped in intercepting the boat before it could reach a populated harbor.
Soaring Drug Arrests
Drug-related crime has surged in Sri Lanka over the past decade. Government records show 162,000 arrests in 2023, compared to 81,000 in 2017—a startling rise that reflects both improved enforcement and a growing narcotics crisis.
The government believes organized crime and transnational cartels are exploiting local fishing fleets for smuggling. Many of these fleets are small-scale operations struggling economically, making them vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers offering large sums.
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Stance
Since taking office in September 2024, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to “eliminate organized crime and drug abuse” across the country.
In a meeting last month with police leadership from Western Province, the president emphasized the importance of scaling up anti-narcotics efforts.
“We must act decisively,” he said. “Our communities are suffering. We need stronger laws, better enforcement, and tighter coastal controls.”
The government has also increased funding for maritime surveillance, while encouraging community cooperation to report suspicious activity.
A Watershed Moment in Drug Control
The seizure marks a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s battle against narcotics trafficking. While the investigation is still in its early stages, the successful operation has delivered a strong message.
It reinforces the country’s zero-tolerance approach and highlights the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence and maritime vigilance. As Sri Lanka continues to position itself as a regional security player, the crackdown on drug networks may be a defining test for its law enforcement and naval forces.