Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Sri Lanka Seizes Nearly Half Ton of Methamphetamine in Colombo
Sri Lankan and United States officers found a very large amount of methamphetamine.
The drugs weighed 463 kilograms, which is almost half a ton.
They were hidden inside bath towels in a shipping container.
The container had arrived in Colombo over the weekend.
Two Pakistani men and one Sri Lankan man were arrested.
Officials said the drugs were meant to be sent to other countries.
Sri Lanka has seized nearly 14 tonnes of illegal drugs since October.
A government minister said about 400,000 people in Sri Lanka use drugs.
US and Sri Lankan anti-narcotics agents seized 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
The drugs were hidden inside bath towels in a shipping container arriving in Colombo.
Two Pakistani men and one Sri Lankan man were arrested.
The shipment was valued at $21 million and allegedly destined for international markets.
Sri Lanka has recovered nearly 14 tonnes of illegal drugs since October, officials said.
- Who
- United States and Sri Lankan anti-narcotics agents, with three suspects arrested.
- What
- The seizure of 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
- When
- The operation took place on Wednesday (2); the shipment arrived over the weekend and was tracked from August 14 to 29.
- Where
- Inside a shipping container in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- Officials said the methamphetamine was intended for onward smuggling to international markets.
- Methamphetamine seized
- 463 kilograms (1,020 pounds)
- Estimated value
- $21 million
- Concealment method
- Hidden inside bath towels in a shipping container
- Arrests
- Two Pakistani men and one Sri Lankan man
- Broader drug seizures
- Nearly 14 tonnes recovered in Sri Lanka since October
- Estimated drug users
- About 400,000 people in Sri Lanka
- Suspected origins
- Officials said most drugs entering Sri Lanka originate in Afghanistan and Pakistan