Sri Lankan authorities have disclosed that narcotics seized from two multi-day fishing vessels on May 28, 2025, are valued at over USD 35 million (Rs. 12 billion).
The first vessel, identified as Nirosh 4, was found carrying 166 kg of heroin worth USD 11.07 million and 253 kg of methamphetamine valued at USD 8.4 million, bringing its total drug haul to nearly USD 19.5 million.
A second vessel, Jayarusith, was intercepted with 108 kg of heroin valued at USD 7.2 million and 250 kg of methamphetamine worth USD 8.3 million, with a total estimated value of USD 15.5 million.
Officials suspect that both vessels were part of a transnational drug trafficking network attempting to use Sri Lankan waters as a smuggling route.
The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) has intercepted a total of 1,758 kg of illegal narcotics from multi-day fishing boats operating in Sri Lankan waters in 2025 alone.
The cumulative street value of these 2025 seizures exceeds Rs. 23 billion (USD 76.6 million), making it one of the most significant anti-narcotic operations in Sri Lanka’s history.
The largest single-day seizure of the year occurred on 5th of April 2025, when authorities intercepted a vessel carrying 862 kg of narcotics.
That April operation marked a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s intensified crackdown on maritime drug trafficking.
Authorities continue to strengthen coastal surveillance and intelligence sharing to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in regional waters.
The success of these operations highlights the growing threat of narcotics smuggling through the Indian Ocean and the need for continued vigilance.
