Foreign Vessel Linked to Massive Heroin Transfer off Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

by Zulfick Farzan 17-04-2026 | 11:01 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara, said Friday's seized narcotics consignment was intercepted more than 400 nautical miles out at sea, far beyond Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, from a Sri Lankan multiday fishing vessel.

More than 150 kilograms of heroin were recovered from a multiday fishing vessel taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Navy and brought to the Dikowita Harbour.

Speaking on the seizure, the Deputy Minister revealed that the drugs had been transferred to the fishing vessel from a foreign ship, and that authorities have already gathered information related to the international dimension of the operation. Based on these findings, further action is now being pursued at an international level.

Major General Jayasekara confirmed that the narcotics recovered have been positively identified as heroin, weighing in excess of 150 kilograms. He said this confirmation was provided following formal testing and examinations conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau, which has officially informed him of the results.

He stated that heroin exceeding 150 kilograms, based on estimated street value, is worth more than Rs. 4000 Million. He added that the final weight could be even higher, potentially exceeding the confirmed quantity by a further 10 to 15 kilograms.

Referring to the Navy’s wider anti-narcotics operations, the Deputy Defence Minister said that during the year 2025 alone, the Sri Lanka Navy has seized heroin and other dangerous narcotics at sea with a total estimated value exceeding Rs. 75,000 million.

He further noted that from January to April this year, within the first four months of 2026, narcotics intercepted in the deep sea through operations led primarily by the Navy have an estimated value close to Rs. 50,000 million.

During these operations, four boats were taken into custody along with 127 suspects, while investigations involving nearly 100 other individuals are continuing.

Major General Jayasekara emphasized that legal action will be taken against all those involved, stressing that the government will show no leniency in enforcing the law.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completely eradicate drug trafficking, criminal networks, and organized crime from the country.