Customs seizes Rs. 312 m worth of narcotics in Colombo

Thursday, 4 September 2025 05:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Customs’ Narcotics Control Unit (NCU) yesterday uncovered a massive narcotics haul during routine enforcement operations at Colombo Cargo Express, reinforcing the agency’s vigilance in curbing drug smuggling into the country.

The detection was made when officers opened seven suspicious parcels that had been detained since January 2025 following intelligence reports.

Upon inspection, officials discovered 23,642 MDMA (Ecstasy) pills valued at Rs. 236.4 million, 98 grams of Methamphetamine (ICE) worth over Rs. 2.45 million, 993 grams of ‘Mandy’ valued at Rs. 14.9 million, 1,445 grams of Cocaine worth Rs. 57.8 million, and 25 Kush oil vapes valued at Rs. 250,000.

In total, the street value of the seized narcotics amounts to an estimated Rs. 311.8 million.

Customs officials noted that the detection underscores the Unit’s proactive approach and intelligence-driven operations in preventing narcotics from entering the country.

They also highlighted the strong coordination between the NCU and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), which plays a vital role in disrupting international drug trafficking networks.

The seized substances have since been handed over to the PNB for further investigations and legal proceedings.

Customs reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation from the threat of narcotics smuggling through rigorous enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.