Navy Seizes Drug Consignment Worth Rs. 1.5 Billion in Jaffna

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a large consignment of narcotics valued at approximately Rs. 1.5 billion from the Kusumanthurai coastal area in Madagal, Jaffna.

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara said the seizure consisted of approximately 80 kilograms of narcotics. According to reports, the consignment contained around 35.7 kilograms of heroin and 45.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ICE).

He said that, in previous seizures in the Northern Province, narcotics had generally been found in one-kilogram packages, while this was the first time five-kilogram packages had been detected in the area.

The Deputy Minister said the Navy had seized narcotics worth approximately Rs. 75 billion during 2025, while the value of narcotics seized so far in 2026 has exceeded Rs. 56 billion.

He also said that residents in the North have been providing a significant amount of information to the authorities. According to him, the pattern of maritime drug trafficking appears to have changed, with large quantities previously being intercepted off the southern coast and more recent seizures taking place in the north.

He said the government has launched coordinated operations involving multiple agencies to combat drug trafficking, describing the issue as a matter of national security. He also said the government plans to introduce new legislation related to the issue.

Addressing fishermen who may be involved in drug-related activities, he urged them to withdraw from such activities, saying that the government would not provide room for them to continue.

He further stressed the need to protect the younger generation from drugs and expressed his appreciation to the Sri Lanka Navy for its efforts. He said the government intends to eliminate drugs from the country before the end of its term.

Navy Commander

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando said that more than 80 kilograms of narcotics had been seized in the operation.

He said the operation was launched based on intelligence received by the Northern Naval Command and was carried out with the participation of SLNS Agbo. He added that multiple teams are now working together in such operations and that further results are expected.

He also said the Navy is using new technology in its operations against drug trafficking.

The latest reports confirm that one suspect was arrested and a vessel believed to have been used to transport the drugs was also taken into Navy custody.