The Sri Lanka Navy has seized narcotics with a street value exceeding Rs. 25 billion through its operations during the first three months of this year, according to Navy Spokesman Buddhika Sampath.
He made these remarks while addressing a special media briefing held today (26) at the Department of Government Information.
During this period, the Navy also arrested 49 suspects along with nine multi-day fishing vessels. The suspects have been handed over for further legal proceedings.
The spokesman highlighted that the Navy conducts continuous surveillance operations in both shallow and deep sea zones, implementing special strategies to intercept drug trafficking routes into the country. He noted that experienced naval personnel are deployed to carry out these operations effectively.
These raids are conducted in coordination with local and international anti-narcotics agencies, including the Sri Lanka Police and the Special Task Force, with round-the-clock monitoring and intelligence sharing.
He further explained that such operations are carried out based on credible intelligence, often requiring several days at sea, and are executed in accordance with both local and international laws through complex operational planning.
The spokesman also pointed out that fishing vessels are being used to transport drugs and urged the fishing community not to engage in such illegal activities. He emphasized that some fishermen have been misled into participating in drug trafficking and appealed to them not to support such unlawful acts under any circumstances.
