On September 6, 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully apprehended a consignment of Kerala cannabis drifting off the coast of Pesalai, Mannar, weighing over 188 kilograms (wet weight). During their search, the SLNS Thammanna of the North Central Naval Command, using the Inshore Patrol Craft P 151, found five suspicious bags drifting in the water. The sacks, which included roughly 188 kg and 325 g of Kerala cannabis, are thought to have been abandoned by smugglers as a result of the heightened naval presence in the region. The seized cannabis is expected to have a gross street value of Rs. 75 million.
The confiscated merchandise was given to the Pesalai Police so that legal action could be taken. With this most recent discovery, the Navy and Coast Guard have together apprehended approximately 1242 kg of illegal cannabis from Kerala in 2024; all of the items have been given to the appropriate authorities for additional handling.