• Over 600 kg of suspected narcotics seized
• Eight pistols, two T-56 rifles, an M16 recovered
• Second trawler acted as surveillance
• 10 suspects arrested as Navy exposes highly organised network
• Satellite phones, weapons signal major security threat at sea

One of the largest narcotics hauls in Sri Lanka this year was uncovered after the Navy intercepted two suspicious multi-day fishing trawlers in international waters south of the country, with the seized stock of drugs estimated to be worth around Rs. 10 billion.

The two vessels suspected of transporting narcotics and weapons were brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour yesterday (12) after being seized during a special Naval operation carried out in the deep seas off the Southern coast. A total of 10 suspects who were on board the vessels were also arrested.

Deputy Defence Minister Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara confirmed the value of the narcotics haul while inspecting the seized trawlers.

Addressing the media, he said the interception was the outcome of a carefully planned operation carried out after several days of observation at sea.

“This was not something done overnight. What you are seeing here is the result of a very well-planned operation that involved several days of monitoring. The mission was carried out with the assistance of both local and foreign institutions,” he said.

Jayasekara further noted that the discovery pointed to a highly organised operation aimed at destabilising the country and posing a threat to national security.

“The two vessels were equipped with narcotics, firearms and satellite phones, which clearly indicate that this was a highly organised operation,” he said.

The suspicious vessels had been detected during a special Naval operation conducted using long-range Naval vessels in international waters south of Sri Lanka.

During the search of one trawler, Naval personnel discovered a large number of sacks suspected to contain narcotics weighing more than 600 kilograms, according to reports.

In addition to the drugs, the Navy also recovered eight pistols with magazines, two Type-56 rifles and one M16 rifle from the same vessel.

The M16 rifle is reportedly a weapon typically used only by specialised members of the security forces.

The second multi-day fishing trawler taken into custody is suspected to have been providing surveillance and logistical support for the other vessel that was transporting the drugs.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath said that following the arrest of the second boat that was assisting the vessel carrying narcotics, the Navy had intensified surveillance of the surrounding seas.

He noted that the Navy is continuously monitoring the entire area under suspicion for any other vessels that may have been involved in providing assistance to the operation.

The fishermen taken into custody are residents of the Southern Province.

Both fishing vessels and the arrested suspects were brought to the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour yesterday following the interception.

According to the Navy, this seizure represents the largest quantity of narcotics recovered so far in 2026.

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle the drug trafficking networks operating in and around the country.

Speaking during an event held on Tuesday (10), he noted that multiple security agencies are now working together to combat the growing narcotics trade.

“The Police, the Special Task Force, the Tri-Forces and other security forces are jointly working to end this network. This supply network is intertwined with organised crime,” he said.

Wijepala also stressed the need for broader social efforts to address the drug problem.