COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Navy has seized large quantities of narcotics during a series of anti-drug operations conducted between January and July 2026, dealing a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks operating in the region.While continuing its core responsibility of safeguarding national security and protecting Sri Lanka's maritime borders, the Navy has maintained intensive surveillance and patrol operations across the country's maritime zones in support of the government's national anti-drug initiative, 'A Nation United'.As part of these sustained efforts, the Navy successfully intercepted several local multi-day fishing trawlers allegedly being used to smuggle narcotics into the country. The operations resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of illicit drugs with significant street value, which were subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and legal action.The anti-narcotics operations were carried out through coordinated maritime surveillance missions involving the tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force, Police Narcotics Bureau and foreign intelligence agencies under the guidance of the Ministry of Defence.According to the Navy, the combined efforts have severely disrupted international drug trafficking networks while preventing large volumes of narcotics from entering Sri Lanka through maritime routes.During the seven-month period from January to July 2026, naval operations led to the seizure of 256.200 kilograms of cocaine, 1,080.894 kilograms of heroin, 667.695 kilograms of Kerala cannabis, 590.806 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 56.091 kilograms of hashish.The largest single seizure category was heroin, with more than one tonne intercepted during the period, followed by significant quantities of methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, and Kerala cannabis. The Sri Lanka Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining anti-drug operations and strengthening maritime security measures to prevent the illegal movement of narcotics through the country's territorial waters.
