A 24-year-old man from Monaragala was apprehended at Bandaranaike International Airport after attempting to bring approximately 1.48 kilograms of 'Kush' cannabis into the country from Thailand.

Police Narcotic Bureau officers arrested a Sri Lankan passenger at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on the morning of the 27th as he arrived on a SriLankan Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand. The 24-year-old suspect, identified as a painter from the Monaragala district, was detained during a routine luggage inspection at the airport.

The seizure involved 1.48 kilograms of 'Kush' cannabis with an estimated street value of Rs. 14.8 million. Officers discovered that the suspect had employed an elaborate concealment method to transport the narcotics. The cannabis had been mechanically shaped into sausage-like forms, coated with chocolate, and vacuum-sealed into approximately 70 wrappers designed to resemble a popular chocolate brand. These counterfeit packages were then mixed among legitimate chocolates and toffees in his luggage.

The arrested individual was scheduled to appear before the Negombo Magistrate's Court on the same day for further proceedings. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to intercept narcotics trafficking through the country's international gateway.