In a major maritime operation, the Sri Lankan Navy has seized 839 kilograms of narcotics found floating in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
According to a Navy statement, personnel on routine patrol spotted several suspicious parcels drifting at sea. Upon recovery, 51 bundles were brought ashore to the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour for examination.
A detailed inspection revealed that the seized packages contained 670 kg of methamphetamine (ICE), 156 kg of heroin, and 12 kg of hashish, with an estimated international street value running into several crores of rupees.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the consignment may have been dumped into the sea by international drug traffickers to evade detection during naval surveillance.
The Sri Lankan Navy, in coordination with other security agencies, has launched an extensive probe to trace the origin and intended destination of the narcotics. Efforts are also being intensified to identify the smuggling network operating across the Indian Ocean region.
Officials said the operation underscores the Navy’s continuous vigilance against transnational drug trafficking, which has seen a rise in recent months in the waters surrounding Sri Lanka.
