Sri Lanka Navy has seized a large haul of narcotics, including over 1,000 kilograms of heroin, during maritime security operations conducted between January and July 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the country’s maritime borders.

Fulfilling its primary responsibility of safeguarding national security, the Sri Lanka Navy says it continues to conduct maritime security operations.

Concurrently, the Navy remains actively engaged in intensive surveillance and patrol operations across Sri Lanka’s maritime zones in support of the Government’s national anti-drug initiative, ‘A Nation United’, according to the Sri Lanka Navy.

As a result of these sustained operations, the Navy has successfully intercepted several local multi-day fishing trawlers used to smuggle narcotics into the country. During these operations, significant quantities of narcotics with substantial street value have been seized and handed over to relevant law enforcement authorities.

These joint maritime surveillance operations, conducted with the support of 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, have dealt a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks and effectively prevented the entry of illicit narcotics into the country.

During operations conducted between January and July 2026, the Navy seized the following quantities of narcotics:

Cocaine – 256.200 kg

Heroin – 1,080.894 kg

Kerala cannabis – 667.695 kg

Crystal methamphetamine ("Ice") – 590.806 kg

Hashish – 56.091 kg

The Navy reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continuing these operations to safeguard Sri Lanka’s maritime borders and contribute towards building a safer, drug-free nation.