_:The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully apprehended nearly 300 individuals and seized 53 vessels as part of its extensive anti-drug operations this year. The operations have led to the confiscation of narcotics valued at over 55 billion Sri Lankan rupees, equivalent to approximately 166.7 million U.S. dollars.

According to NAMPA, these operations were conducted between January 1 and September 24, utilizing both land- and sea-based surveillance techniques. Chaminda Karunasena, the acting director general of operations for the Sri Lanka Navy, provided these details.

The narcotics confiscated during this period included over 1,080 kilograms of heroin, more than 590 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, over 256 kilograms of cocaine, and in excess of 862 kilograms of cannabis. Notably, approximately 800 kilograms of cannabis were seized in the Gurunagar lagoon area on September 24 alone.

In addition to these substances, the Navy also confiscated more than 4 million narcotic tablets, over 1 kilogram of hashish, and more than 55 metric tons of kendu leaves throughout the operations, according to Karunasena.