LARGE CONSIGNMENT OF HEROIN AND ICE SEIZED IN TALALLA, MATARA

Acting on intelligence received, personnel of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard successfully seized a large consignment of narcotics in an abundant Fiber Glass Dingy canceled in 21 bags, on 24^th October 2026 at Puwakowita beach, Talalla, Matara at around 05:30 AM. During the operation few suspects fled away the scene and efforts to apprehend the suspects are continuing in coordination with the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).

This seizure represents the largest quantity of narcotics recovered from the southern coastal area in recent times. The PNB confirmed that the consignment comprised a total of 561.705 kg of illicit drugs, including 321.941 kg of heroin and 239.764 kg of ICE (crystal methamphetamine).

Several senior officials visited the location to inspect the site, including the Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala; the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara; the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando; the Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Perera; the Director General of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena; and the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Southern Province, Buddhika Siriwardena. During the visit, the contribution of the officers and other personnel who participated in the operation was also appreciated.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard is actively contributing to the Government's “Ratama Ekata” initiative, launched last year. In coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard continues to successfully carry out drug prevention operations and law enforcement activities in the maritime and coastal areas surrounding Sri Lanka.