The Sri Lanka Navy has seized illegal drugs with a street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion through land-based operations and maritime surveillance conducted under the “Ratama Ekata” National Operation to eradicate illicit drugs.
Navy Media Director Commander Chaminda Walakuluge stated this at a special media briefing held today (25) at the Ratama Ekata National Operation Headquarters and Media Centre.
He said that during the past nine months, naval operations at sea had led to the arrest of more than 300 individuals and the seizure of 53 vessels.
The seizures included 1,080 kilograms of heroin, 590 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 256 kilograms of cocaine, 862 kilograms of cannabis, 55 kilograms of hashish and more than four million narcotic tablets.
Commander Walakuluge said the Navy continues to conduct maritime surveillance operations while also carrying out awareness programmes aimed at protecting young people from illicit drug use.
He further stated that these operations are being conducted jointly with the Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force and Police Narcotics Bureau, among other agencies.
Continuous surveillance is being carried out using both conventional and technology-based methods, while the support provided by the fishing community has also been acknowledged.
He requested the fishing community to continue providing information to the authorities to support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
