The Sri Lanka Navy has revealed that the 51 packages found floating off the southern coast, and recovered near the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour yesterday (14), contained over 800 kilograms of narcotics.

According to the Navy Spokesman, the packages included 670 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice), 156 kg of heroin, and 12 kg of hashish.

The floating parcels were discovered drifting in the sea off the southern coast and were brought ashore by the Navy. Initial reports suggest that the consignment may belong to a notorious drug trafficker known as ‘Unakuruwe Shantha’.

Earlier in September, SSP Hemal Prashantha, Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), received intelligence regarding an attempt to smuggle drugs into Sri Lanka using three vessels.

Following this information, the Sri Lanka Navy and PNB, under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police, conducted extensive search operations across the Dondra and Tangalle sea areas for 32 days.

Although authorities had contacted the crews of the suspected vessels, no concrete information was obtained. Investigations also revealed that the Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) onboard had been deliberately deactivated to hide their positions.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) also joined the operation; however, no data regarding the whereabouts of the three vessels was uncovered.