COLOMBO, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan navy announced on Monday it confiscated narcotic drugs worth 28.1 billion rupees (around 95.8 million U.S. dollars) during operations carried out in 2024.
Among the drugs seized are 622 kg of heroin and more than 1,211 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE), the navy said in a statement.
Moreover, 21 local fishing boats along with 230 individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking have been apprehended, with legal action taken against them.
In total, the navy arrested 407 suspects in 2024 involved in illegal activities such as smuggling of narcotics, prescription drugs, and contraband, and apprehended those involved in human smuggling.
The navy said it conducts continuous operations to prevent illegal activities.
As part of the government's "Clean Sri Lanka" national program, the navy has strategized its operations for 2025, aiming to combat illegal activities, including drug trafficking in the country's maritime zones, promote maritime stability, and support the realization of Sri Lanka's national maritime aspirations, the navy said.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the "Clean Sri Lanka" national program on Jan. 1, which aims to create a morally and environmentally sustainable nation. ■