Navy headquarters said that operations conducted during 2023 led to the arrest of 343 persons, both local and foreign, involved in a wide array of illegal acts, including smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs, and contraband as well as human smuggling.

The Navy has been collaborating closely with the Police, Police Narcotic Bureau, State Intelligence Service, and STF, actively sharing information during anti-drug operations.

The following is the text of the Navy statement: “In operations conducted in 2023, significant quantities of illicit substances were seized, including over 715 kg of heroin, over 3711 kg of Kerala cannabis, over 50kg of local cannabis, more than 140 kg of ‘Hashish’ and more than 11kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice). In addition, 92,572 plants of local cannabis were also destroyed during these operations. Additionally, 187 individuals, suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, have been apprehended. Among them are 18 individuals with local fishing trawlers, 05 Iranian suspects with an Iranian dhow, 03 Pakistani suspects, and 06 Indian suspects operating with 02 Indian fishing trawlers. These apprehensions have led to the initiation of further legal proceedings against the suspects, upon their apprehension.

Also, the Navy has apprehended eight suspects attempting to sell 191 bottles of foreign liquor as well as 41380 illegal cigarettes, 1,016,755 prescription drugs and 2642 ‘Madana Modaka’ aphrodisiac pills and 42 suspects in connection to those illegal acts. Moreover, 11 elephant pearls, over 14kg of gold made ready to be smuggled from the country with 11 suspects and 03 local trawlers were held as part of the naval operations in the year 2023.

The Navy also seized over 36910kg of smuggled Tendu leaves, over 878kg of tobacco powder, more than 990kg of turmeric, over 1267kg of cardamom, 4722 bottles and 12907 packets of agrochemical, 45418 cosmetic products and apprehended 60 suspects in the past year.

Preventive of human smuggling and illegal migration efforts, the Navy held 01 boat and 05 persons for their involvement in human smuggling. Additionally, the Navy has apprehended 01 boat and 09 individuals attempting illegal migration to India, as well as 02 boats and 07 individuals attempting illegal migration from India to Sri Lanka. Upon being held, they were handed over to authorities for further legal action.”