The total value of the consignment of narcotics seized by the Sri Lanka Navy during a special operation conducted in Kusumanthurai Beach area in Madagal, Jaffna, earlier today (27) is estimated at Rs. 1.5 billion, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said.

The Deputy Minister made these remarks while participating in a special press conference held regarding the narcotics seized during the Navy operation.

He said the total quantity of narcotics seized during the operation was nearly 81 kilograms, comprising approximately 35 kilograms of heroin and nearly 45 kilograms of 'Ice' (crystal methamphetamine).

The Deputy Minister further stated that this was the largest consignment of narcotics seized in the Northern region in recent history.

He also said the narcotics seized by the Navy during operations in 2025 were valued at approximately Rs. 75 billion, while the value of narcotics seized during operations so far this year stands at around Rs. 56 billion.

Speaking at the press conference, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando said the operation was conducted based on intelligence received by the Northern Naval Command, with several teams, including personnel from SLNS ‘Agbo’ and the Navy's special boat squadron, involved in the operation.

He said the seized narcotics had been handed over for further investigations with the assistance of specialists from the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) in Jaffna.

The Navy Commander further stated that the Navy is currently conducting operations in teams and that such operations would be intensified in the future.

He noted that naval operations are being conducted in complex environments and said the Navy plans to make greater use of technology in future operations.

The Navy Commander added that the equipment required for this purpose is already being received by the Navy, enabling it to conduct broader operations in the future.