Pesalai, Talaimannar, Sri Lanka — The Sri Lanka Navy has confiscated a substantial haul of Kerala cannabis during an operation in Pesalai, Talaimannar.
According to a statement from the Navy, the seizure took place under the North Central Naval Command’s SLNS Gajaba unit. Officers recovered three suspicious sacks from the beach, which were found to contain a total of 110 kilograms and 600 grams of cannabis.
The Navy estimates the gross street value of the narcotics at over Rs. 24 million. The seized stock has been handed over to the Talaimannar Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The operation underscores the Sri Lanka Navy’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and illegal narcotics entering the country via maritime routes.
Recent Drug Seizures in Sri Lanka
2025: Major Operations
- Wennappuwa: Coordinated efforts by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Navy, and Police Narcotics Bureau led to the seizure of over 900 kilograms of Kerala cannabis. The operation also recovered two foreign-made pistols, four magazines, and 40 rounds of ammunition.
- Anuradhapura: Authorities intercepted a suspicious vehicle, uncovering approximately 29.9 kilograms of Kerala cannabis in 15 parcels. The estimated street value exceeded Rs. 6 million.
- Pesalai, Talaimannar: Sri Lanka Navy seized 110.6 kilograms of Kerala cannabis from three sacks on the beach. The gross street value was estimated at over Rs. 24 million.
2024: Notable Hauls
- Guru Nagar, Jaffna: About 188.35 kilograms of Kerala cannabis were recovered from a dinghy during a Navy operation.
- Chavakachcheri, Palai: A woman was apprehended with approximately 94.52 kilograms of Kerala cannabis in a joint Navy and Police Special Task Force operation.
- Iranativu Island, Kilinochchi: Over 207 kilograms of Kerala cannabis were seized during a Navy operation.
- Talaimannar & Kachchativu Island: Separate operations recovered roughly 33 kilograms of Kerala cannabis, with one arrest.
2023: Key Interceptions
- Delft Island: The Navy intercepted an Indian dhow and recovered 62.4 kilograms of Kerala cannabis.
- Delft Island (November): A joint operation seized around 458.9 kilograms of Kerala cannabis from a suspicious dinghy.
2022: Early Year Seizures
- Duwa Lagoon, Negombo: Approximately 249.9 kilograms of Kerala cannabis were recovered in a special operation by the Navy.
- Urumalai, Talaimannar: A suspect was apprehended with 485 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice) during a beach operation.
Summary of Key Operations
| Year | Location | Seizure Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wennappuwa | 900+ kg Kerala cannabis | Included firearms and ammunition |
| 2025 | Anuradhapura | 29.9 kg Kerala cannabis | Seized from a suspicious vehicle |
| 2025 | Pesalai, Talaimannar | 110.6 kg Kerala cannabis | Seized from sacks on beach; street value ~Rs. 24 million |
| 2024 | Guru Nagar, Jaffna | 188.35 kg Kerala cannabis | Recovered from a dinghy |
| 2024 | Chavakachcheri, Palai | 94.52 kg Kerala cannabis | Woman apprehended |
| 2024 | Iranativu Island | 207 kg Kerala cannabis | Navy operation |
| 2024 | Talaimannar & Kachchativu | 33 kg Kerala cannabis | One arrest made |
| 2023 | Delft Island | 62.4 kg Kerala cannabis | Intercepted Indian dhow |
| 2023 | Delft Island (Nov) | 458.9 kg Kerala cannabis | Joint operation |
| 2022 | Duwa Lagoon, Negombo | 249.9 kg Kerala cannabis | Special Navy operation |
| 2022 | Urumalai, Talaimannar | 485 g Crystal Methamphetamine | Suspect apprehended |
These operations demonstrate Sri Lankan authorities’ continued focus on combating drug trafficking, particularly smuggling of Kerala cannabis from India. Joint operations between the Navy, Coast Guard, and Police have been key in disrupting transnational narcotics networks and securing significant quantities of illicit drugs.
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