- Includes heroin, cannabis, coke, hash, ice, capsules and tablets
A staggering quantity of narcotics worth approximately Rs 226.4 billion was seized in Sri Lanka between 1 January 2025 and 30 April 2026, with heroin and crystal methamphetamine ice accounting for a significant share of the haul, according to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.
Presenting details in Parliament in response to a question raised by Opposition Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake, he said that the law enforcement authorities had seized 2,761 kgs and 116 gs of heroin, 17,899 kgs of cannabis, 300 kgs of cocaine, 1,959 kgs of hashish, and 3,554 kgs of ice during the period. In addition, 1,395,445 narcotic capsules and 3,735,612 narcotic tablets were taken into custody.
The total estimated street value of the seized drugs was nearly Rs 226,447 million (Rs 226.4 billion). Breaking down the figures, Wijepala said that during 2025 alone, the authorities seized 1,571 kgs and 361 g of heroin, 14,714 kgs of cannabis, 38 kgs and 908 g of cocaine, 699 kgs and 28 g of hashish, and 2,741 kgs of ice. Officers also recovered 615,985 narcotic capsules and 3,084,511 narcotic tablets. The estimated value of the seizures for the year was close to Rs 154 billion. From 1 January to 30 April 2026, the authorities seized 1,189 kgs and 750 g of heroin, 3,184 kgs and 81 g of cannabis, 261 kgs and 678 g of cocaine, 1,260 kgs and 369 g of hashish, and 813 kgs and 455 g of ice. During the same period, 779,460 narcotic capsules and 651,101 narcotic tablets were seized.
The value of these recoveries was estimated at approximately Rs 72.37 billion. He also revealed information pertaining to narcotics that had been smuggled into the country by sea. Between 1 January 2025 and 31 May 2026, the authorities had intercepted 2,204 kgs of heroin, 4,786 kgs and 106 g of cannabis, 257 kgs and 116 g of cocaine, 12 kgs and 98 g of hashish, and 3,358 kgs of ice transported through maritime routes. A total of 1,350,850 narcotic capsules and tablets were also seized through operations conducted at sea. During the same period, seizures made through air routes included three kgs and 681 g of heroin, 40 kgs and 413 g of cocaine, 1,175 kgs and 649 g of hashish, and seven kgs and 722 g of ice. The authorities also recovered 35,470 narcotic capsules and tablets from air passengers and cargo.
Wijepala further said that narcotics had been destroyed on 21 occasions over the past 24 months under the supervision of magistrates and other relevant officials. He also disclosed that a further stock of narcotics is scheduled to be destroyed in the near future. The drugs awaiting destruction include 2,137 kgs and 599 g of heroin, 3,322 kgs and 244 g of ice, 262 kgs and 27 g of cocaine, 2,039 kgs and 83 g of cannabis, and 793 kgs and 118 g of hashish. The authorities are also due to destroy 78,340 narcotic capsules and 30,911 narcotic tablets. Altogether, 8,554 kgs and 71 g of narcotics are currently awaiting destruction, he said.
Responding to a question on rewards paid for information leading to drug detections, he said that informants received Rs 2,159,360 between 1 May and 31 December 2024, while Police officers involved in successful operations were awarded Rs 323 million. In 2025, informants received Rs 958,335, while Police officers were paid Rs 357.9 million in rewards. Up to April 2026, informants had received Rs 6,506,000 and Police officers had been awarded Rs 94.9 million. In total, informants received Rs 9,670,850 during the period under review, while Police officers were paid approximately Rs 776 million.