The Sri Lanka Navy announced that five individuals have been taken into custody along with three dinghy boats and a large stock of illegal narcotic pills during a maritime operation conducted in the Kalpitiya area.
During a special search operation carried out in the Wellamundalama sea area, Kalpitiya, on 14 July 2025, the Navy intercepted three suspicious dinghies engaged in smuggling activities.
Upon inspection, naval personnel recovered 18 sacks containing a total of 1,349,640 illegal prescription drugs. The operation also led to the arrest of five suspects believed to be involved in the smuggling racket.
The operation was conducted by a team from the Special Boat Squadron attached to the Naval Detachment in Uchchamunai, under the command of SLNS Vijaya.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 44 years, are residents of Mohoththuwaram, Kurakkangena, Wannimundalama, and Sinnakudirippu in the Kalpitiya area, Sri Lanka Navy said.
The Sri Lanka Navy continues to maintain heightened surveillance along the island’s coastal regions to combat the smuggling of illegal goods. This operation marks a significant success in those ongoing efforts.
The arrested suspects, along with the seized narcotic pills and dinghies, were handed over to the Excise Special Unit in Puttalam for further legal action.
