The Sri Lanka Navy seized narcotics and prescription drugs worth over Rs. 28,158 million in maritime operations conducted last year 2024.
In coordination with the Sri Lanka Police, Narcotic Bureau, STF, and other agencies, as well as the Indian and Maldivian Coast Guards, information was shared about smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of 407 suspects involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal activities.
In the operation, over 622 kg of heroin with a street Value of Rs. 15,554 million, 1,211 kg of crystal meth worth Rs. 11,508 million, 1,752 kg of Kerala cannabis worth Rs. 700 million, 119 kg of local cannabis worth Rs. 23 million, and 1.18 million prescription pills worth Rs. 373 million were seized.
Additionally, based on naval intelligence, the Police and Special Task Force destroyed 107,626 cannabis plants, 21 local fishing boats and 230 suspects involved in drug trafficking were seized and handed over for legal action.
The total street value of the narcotics and prescription drugs seized in 2024 surpassed Rs. 28,158 million.
In other operations, the Navy captured two suspects with 226 bottles of illegal liquor, 234,670 illegal cigarettes, 972 aphrodisiac pills, 52 suspects, 11 elephant pearls, and over 4 kg of gold meant for smuggling, along with 14 other suspects.
A vessel used for smuggling wild animals, with five individuals aboard, was also intercepted.
The Navy also seized over 65,687 kg of tendu leaves, 7,272 kg of dried turmeric, 368 kg of ginger, 8,330 bottles and 56,786 packets of agrochemicals, and 727 cosmetic products.
Among those arrested were 81 Sri Lankans and 3 Indian nationals, along with an Indian dhow. To address illegal migration and human trafficking, the Navy intercepted a boat carrying 20 individuals attempting to migrate illegally from India to Sri Lanka, and all suspects were handed over to authorities for legal action.
As part of the "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, the Navy plans to strengthen operations in 2025 to combat maritime crime and enhance Sri Lanka's maritime security.
My memory takes me back to 1979, to a moment etched in time when a strikingly tall and impeccably dressed military officer, a Master in charge of Cadeting at Prince of Wales College commanding a guard of honour presented to President J.R. Jayawardene by the cadets of 3CCC, consisted of Ananda, Nalanda and Prince of Wales Cadet platoons at the Prince of Wales College grounds.
An American national, who had been staying in Sri Lanka for nearly ten months without a valid visa while using a Sinhala name under his American passport, was arrested by the Tourist Police of the Kandy.
The Government is considering abolishing the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff (OCDS) when the term of office of its incumbent General Shavendra Silva ends on December 31.
Former Member of Parliament J.R.P. Suriyapperuma passed away today, January 2, 2025, at the age of 96.
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