Customs officials have intercepted a suspected drug shipment concealed in metal containers that arrived on a commercial flight from Bangkok, with narcotics valued at over Rs 106 million.

Sri Lanka Customs has seized more than 10 kilograms of suspected hashish that was concealed within metal containers aboard an air cargo shipment originating from Bangkok, Thailand. The consignment arrived via SriLankan Airlines flight UL405 on July 24, 2026, and had been declared to authorities as a gift package rather than commercial cargo.

Customs officers conducted an inspection of the shipment at the TRICO UPB Warehouse on July 31, 2026, in the presence of an authorized representative. During the examination, inspectors discovered multiple polythene packets containing what appears to be narcotic substances hidden inside the metal containers that formed part of the declared gift.

A complete inventory of the seized materials indicated 10.608 kilograms of cannabis-related narcotics in total, comprising marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil. Authorities have estimated the street value of the confiscated substances at approximately Rs. 106.08 million based on current market rates.

The seizure has triggered further investigations by Sri Lanka Customs to determine the origins of the shipment, identify the intended recipients, and establish whether additional parties were involved in the attempted smuggling operation. The case highlights ongoing efforts by customs authorities to intercept narcotics trafficking through international air cargo channels.