Court Allows Week-Long Detention of 11 Suspects Linked To Drug Smuggling Operation

by Zulfick Farzan 30-05-2025 | 9:47 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Thanuja Lakmali, granted permission to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) to detain and interrogate 11 suspects arrested in connection with a massive drug trafficking operation off Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint maritime operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy, State Intelligence Service, and the Police Narcotics Bureau, with international assistance.

Authorities intercepted two vessels transporting approximately 778 kilograms of heroin and crystal methamphetamine (Ice).

The suspects, along with the narcotics and the two boats, were brought to the Dikovita Fisheries Harbour. They were later produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by PNB officers.

Investigators informed the court that the inquiry is still ongoing and requested permission to detain the suspects for further questioning. The Magistrate approved the request, allowing the suspects to be held in police custody for one week.

Police sources revealed that the narcotics shipment is believed to have been orchestrated with the involvement of three foreign-based drug traffickers, who are currently under investigation.

Sri Lankan authorities revealed the estimated value of the narcotics seized from two multi-day fishing vessels that were intercepted on May 28, 2025, carrying massive hauls of heroin and methamphetamine.

The operations resulted in the seizure of narcotics valued at over USD 35 million (Rs. 12 billion).

The first vessel, identified as “Nirosh 4”, was found to be transporting 166 kilograms of heroin, valued at approximately USD 11.07 million, along with 253 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated at USD 8.4 million. The total value of the narcotics aboard this vessel alone reached nearly USD 19.5 million.

Authorities intercepted a second vessel named “Jayarusith”, which was carrying 108 kilograms of heroin worth USD 7.2 million, and 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at USD 8.3 million. The combined street value of the drugs on this vessel was approximately USD 15.5 million.

Authorities believe the vessels were part of a larger transnational smuggling network attempting to use Sri Lankan waters as a transit route.