Canadian arrested at BIA with hashish worth over Rs. 200 m

Monday, 27 July 2026 06:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A 27-year-old Canadian national has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake after officials allegedly discovered more than 20 kilograms of hashish concealed in his luggage.

The seized narcotics weighed 20 kg and 117 g and have an estimated street value of Rs. 201.89 million, according to preliminary investigations.

Authorities said the contraband was detected during an examination of the suspect’s baggage following his arrival in Sri Lanka.

Investigators alleged that the suspect purchased the narcotics in Toronto, Canada, before travelling to Doha, Qatar, and boarding a connecting Qatar Airways flight to Sri Lanka. He arrived at BIA at around 2:30 a.m. yesterday on Qatar Airways flight QR-662, officials said.