The Sri Lanka Navy says it seized about 81 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and heroin during a pre-dawn operation on September 27 around Kusumanthurai beach and the adjoining waters at Mathagal, Jaffna.

The Navy estimates the street value of the consignment at more than 1.5 billion Sri Lankan rupees. It identified approximately 45.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly called ice, and 35.7 kilograms of heroin.

The operation followed information received by the Northern Naval Command. Personnel from SLNS Agbo and naval fleet units intercepted a dinghy suspected of being used to smuggle the drugs.

One suspect was apprehended with the boat. With assistance from the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau, the seized packages were identified as containing ice and heroin, according to the Navy.

The narcotics, the suspect and the dinghy have been handed over to the Jaffna Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal action.

Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando and other senior officers discussed the operation at a media briefing at Navy Headquarters in Battaramulla.

The Navy Commander described it as the largest narcotics consignment the Navy has seized in the northern seas.

The Navy says it continues to work with the Police Narcotic Bureau, domestic and foreign intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement bodies to counter maritime drug trafficking.

It says surveillance and searches along the northern sea routes around the Jaffna peninsula will continue.

Source: Sri Lanka Navy official statement, September 27, 2026.