Over 600 kg of Narcotics Seized From South of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); In one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in recent history, Sri Lankan authorities seized approximately 600 kilograms of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE) in coordinated raids across the southern region.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala announced the breakthrough, highlighting the government's intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks that have thrived for decades under political protection. 

“This is not a secret,” the Minister stated, referring to the long-standing nexus between politics and organized crime. “But we are now taking decisive action.”

The operation, led by the Sri Lanka Police and supported by enhanced intelligence services, resulted in the confiscation of 245 packets of heroin and 390 packets of ICE. 

The narcotics were discovered in three separate lorries, two of which were linked to a suspicious death investigation in Tangalle.

Authorities were alerted to a crime scene at No. 43, Kotamba, Gahawathuragoda, Seenimodara, where two individuals—Dinuka Lakshan Hewawitharana and Wickrama Edirisuriya Kavindu Kalhara—were found dead under suspicious circumstances. A third individual, Venura Kumara, later died in hospital. Investigators uncovered 10 kilograms of narcotics in a lorry parked at the premises.

Further probing led police to a second lorry in Sathiragama, Ginigalpokuna, approximately one kilometer away. 

This vehicle contained 100 packets of heroin, 80 packets of ICE, a T56 assault rifle, and five revolvers. 

One suspect was arrested at the scene, while another individual linked to the Seenimodara crime scene reportedly fled.

Minister Wijepala emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy under the National People's Power government, which has empowered law enforcement agencies to operate without political interference.

“The Sri Lanka Police is now functioning independently and effectively,” he said, noting a significant increase in actionable intelligence.

The Minister also revealed that several high-profile criminals who had fled overseas have been repatriated, and valuable intelligence has been extracted through interrogation. He urged the public to cooperate with authorities by sharing information, assuring confidentiality and credibility in handling such reports.

“This is about protecting future generations,” Wijepala declared. “We are receiving a high volume of intelligence and will continue to conduct raids until the drug menace is eradicated.”