Sri Lankan authorities have seized an unprecedented haul of narcotics worth approximately Rs. 9.8 billion in what officials are calling the largest single day drug bust in the country's history. The operation in Tangalle on September 22 uncovered over 705 kilograms of illicit substances, marking a significant breakthrough in the nation's ongoing battle against organized crime and drug trafficking.
The discovery began tragically with the deaths of three individuals at a property under renovation in Seenimodara, Tangalle. Acting on intelligence from relatives of one victim who had been hospitalized before his death, police launched an investigation that would ultimately expose one of Sri Lanka's most extensive drug trafficking operations. The deceased were later identified as residents from the Ambalantota area, with authorities suspecting they may have been murdered elsewhere and their bodies transported to the location.
The massive seizure included 284.94 kilograms of heroin and 420.976 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," distributed across three lorries strategically positioned in the Seenimodara and Kadurupokuna areas. Two vehicles were found within the premises of the abandoned house where the bodies were discovered, while a third was located approximately six kilometers away, concealed among a cargo of watermelons.
Beyond the narcotics, authorities recovered a significant cache of weaponry that underscores the sophisticated nature of the criminal enterprise. The arsenal included five modern revolvers and a military-grade T-56 assault rifle, all concealed within specially designed compartments in the vehicles. This combination of high volume narcotics and military grade firearms represents one of the most substantial seizures of its kind in recent Sri Lankan law enforcement history.
Investigations have revealed connections to "Unakuruwa Shantha," identified by authorities as a major figure in Sri Lanka's drug trade who is believed to be operating from abroad. Police reports indicate that the narcotics belonged to this single trafficking network, suggesting the scale and coordination of international drug smuggling operations targeting the island nation. The registered owners of the lorries used to transport the drugs have been taken into custody and are currently under interrogation.
The breakthrough came when police discovered that the property had recently changed ownership, with the new owner having hired three workers to construct a boundary wall. These workers had held a gathering at the house on the night before the discovery, during which one individual fell ill and was hospitalized. The subsequent investigation, prompted by family members, led to the discovery of the bodies and the eventual uncovering of the massive drug operation.
Initial searches at the scene yielded 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from a smaller vehicle parked near the house. As the investigation expanded, authorities located additional lorries containing progressively larger quantities of narcotics. The systematic search revealed the extensive nature of the operation, with drugs concealed using sophisticated methods designed to evade detection.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that intelligence reports have revealed the involvement of certain politicians in southern Sri Lanka in drug trafficking and organized crime activities. This revelation adds a significant political dimension to the case and suggests that the investigation may expand beyond the immediate arrests to examine broader networks of corruption and criminal collaboration.
The investigation has led to multiple arrests, including two sons of one of the deceased individuals who have been taken into custody and are currently receiving medical treatment under police protection at Tangalle Hospital. Additional suspects, including lorry drivers and vehicle owners connected to the operation, have also been detained as authorities work to dismantle the entire network.
Southern Province Deputy Inspector General Kithsiri Jayalath, who is overseeing the investigation, has issued a public appeal for information related to drug trafficking in the region. Citizens are urged to report relevant details through a dedicated police hotline as authorities continue their efforts to identify and apprehend additional suspects connected to the operation.
The seizure represents a culmination of intensified anti-narcotics efforts by Sri Lankan law enforcement in 2025. Throughout the year, police operations have resulted in the confiscation of nearly one metric ton of heroin, over 1,400 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and more than 1,700 illegal firearms. These statistics underscore the persistent challenge that drug trafficking poses to Sri Lankan society and the determination of authorities to combat these criminal networks.
Post mortem examinations of the three deceased individuals are being conducted to determine the exact cause of death, with preliminary investigations suggesting possible poisoning. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation as authorities work to establish whether the fatalities were directly related to the drug operation or represent a separate criminal act.
The Tangalle operation stands as a testament to the evolving sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating in and through Sri Lanka, while simultaneously demonstrating the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to these challenges through coordinated investigation and international intelligence sharing. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to pursuing all leads and ensuring that those responsible for this massive criminal enterprise face the full force of the law.
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