Sri Lanka Police seize 345kg ‘Ice’ haul in massive Kirinda drug bust

Sri Lankan police have seized a massive stock of 345 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”) during a special pre-dawn operation in Kirinda this morning (November 12).

The raid, one of the largest narcotics seizures in recent years, was carried out by the Western Province (North) Crimes Division, supported by the Tangalle Police Division and the Special Task Force (STF).

According to police, the operation was launched on the Andagalawella Beach in Kirinda following credible intelligence received by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rohan Olugala, Director of the Western Province (North) Crimes Division.

The information indicated that a large consignment of drugs was being transported to the Tissamaharama area by sea. The details were immediately shared with Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) of the Southern Province, Kithsiri Jayalath, who directed a joint operation with Southern Province police officers.

Investigations have revealed that the stock of narcotics was transported across the deep sea by a multi-day fishing vessel and later transferred to a smaller boat. The smaller vessel brought the drugs close to the shore, where they were left floating in the sea, tied with a rope, for pickup.

Acting on the intelligence, officers ambushed the location and arrested seven suspects who arrived to retrieve the floating sacks. Another suspect was arrested later, bringing the total number of arrests to eight.

Police recovered 19 sacks containing crystal meth from the nearby sea area and brought them ashore before taking them to the Kirinda Police Station. The total weight of the haul was approximately 345 kilograms. Six vehicles believed to have been used in the smuggling operation were also seized.

According to police sources, the narcotics are suspected to have been trafficked by a network linked to a notorious drug trafficker known as “Ran Malli,” who is reportedly residing in Dubai. The fishing vessel used to transport the drugs into Sri Lankan waters has not yet been located.

Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F. U. Wootler stated that the suspects are currently being interrogated and that efforts are ongoing to trace the missing boat and identify other individuals involved in the smuggling ring.

Meanwhile, local residents in the Kirinda area told police that drug trafficking activities have been taking place along that stretch of beach for a long period.

— This news was updated at 4:30 PM on November 12, 2025. —