A joint operation by the Sri Lanka Navy, Police and other security agencies led to the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of heroin at Kapparathota Beach in Weligama this morning (15), following information obtained from five suspects arrested at sea earlier this week.

According to the Navy, the Police Special Task Force (STF) recovered 120 packets of heroin concealed in six sacks, along with two satellite phones and an internet connectivity device hidden at the beach.

The operation was launched following information provided by five suspects apprehended by the Navy on October 13, during a search operation off Dondra in Sri Lanka’s southern waters.

During the initial operation, naval personnel intercepted a suspicious local multi-day fishing trawler and arrested the five individuals on board.

Acting on information obtained from the suspects, the Navy coordinated a subsequent search operation with the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Police, STF, Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) and Sri Lanka Coast Guard, resulting in the discovery of the narcotics and communication equipment.

The five suspects arrested during the initial naval operation have since been handed over to the PNB for further investigations and legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Navy reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking through continued maritime and coastal surveillance operations under the national initiative ‘A Nation United’, with the cooperation of the public and fishing communities.