Police have detained five individuals—three Pakistani nationals and two Sri Lankans—for questioning following the discovery of over 471 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed in a shipping container at the Port of Colombo.
Authorities have placed five suspects under seven-day detention orders as investigations proceed into what police characterize as a significant international drug trafficking operation. The suspects, ranging in age from 33 to 51 years, are currently in custody of the Police Narcotics Bureau. Among those detained are three Pakistani nationals and two Sri Lankan citizens.
The narcotics seizure, weighing 471 kilograms and 200 grams, represents one of the largest crystal methamphetamine detections recorded in Sri Lanka. Police have assessed the street value of the haul at more than Rs. 8 billion, equivalent to approximately $24.37 million USD at current exchange rates.
Investigations have revealed that the container arrived in Sri Lanka from Pakistan in June under a re-export arrangement, with towels declared as the official cargo. However, police uncovered that the shipment was intended for onward transportation to Cameroon, suggesting a multi-country trafficking route. The discovery at the port has prompted authorities to expand their inquiry into the network behind the operation.