Sri Lanka Seizes Over $ 30 Mn in Narcotics from Two Fishing Vessels

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have revealed the estimated value of the narcotics seized from two multi-day fishing vessels that were intercepted on May 28, 2025, carrying massive hauls of heroin and methamphetamine.

The operations resulted in the seizure of narcotics valued at over USD 35 million (Rs. 12 billion).

The first vessel, identified as “Nirosh 4”, was found to be transporting 166 kilograms of heroin, valued at approximately USD 11.07 million, along with 253 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated at USD 8.4 million. The total value of the narcotics aboard this vessel alone reached nearly USD 19.5 million.

Authorities intercepted a second vessel named “Jayarusith”, which was carrying 108 kilograms of heroin worth USD 7.2 million, and 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at USD 8.3 million. The combined street value of the drugs on this vessel was approximately USD 15.5 million.

Authorities believe the vessels were part of a larger transnational smuggling network attempting to use Sri Lankan waters as a transit route.

Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) has intercepted and seized a staggering 1,758 kilograms of illegal narcotics from multi-day fishing vessels operating in Sri Lankan waters during 2025. 

The total estimated street value of these seizures exceeds Rs. 23 billion (USD 76.6 million), marking one of the most significant drug interdiction efforts in the nation’s history.

The most substantial single-day seizure occurred on April 5, 2025, when authorities intercepted a vessel carrying 862 kg of narcotics. This operation marked a turning point in the year’s crackdown on maritime