Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sept. 27 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:

A special media briefing on successful counter-narcotics operations conducted under the Government's national programme, 'Ratama Ekata', aimed at strengthening national security and combating the threat posed by illicit drug trafficking, was held today (27 September) at the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters, located within the Defence Headquarters Complex.

The media briefing was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando. During the briefing, an update was provided on the progress of ongoing special naval operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy across the maritime domain surrounding the island, in accordance with the directives and guidance of the Ministry of Defence.

It was emphasised that, as a maritime nation strategically located in the Indian Ocean, the Sri Lanka Navy carries out a wide range of duties to enforce the law within the country's maritime domain. As part of these efforts, a special search operation conducted this morning along the coastal and adjoining maritime areas of Madagal and Kusumanthurai in Jaffna resulted in the seizure of a dinghy carrying approximately 81 kg of narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and heroin, along with the apprehension of a suspect.

In line with the Government's vision of protecting future generations from the devastation caused by dangerous drugs, the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Armed Forces, Police, Police Narcotics Bureau and Police Special Task Force have intensified operations against drug trafficking. These operations are being coordinated as an organised network covering both land and maritime areas, with continuous intelligence sharing between local and foreign intelligence agencies.

Through successful operations conducted so far in 2026, the Navy has taken into custody one foreign vessel used to transport narcotics, 53 local vessels including the vessel seized today, and narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 55 billion, which have been handed over for further legal action. It was further stated that intensified search operations will continue without interruption until drug trafficking is completely eradicated from the country.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.