US-Sri Lanka Operation Busts Pakistan Based Drug Network, 463 Kg Meth Seized

A joint operation by the US and Sri Lankan authorities has disrupted a Pakistan based narcotrafficking network allegedly attempting to move crystal methamphetamine through Sri Lanka to international markets, with 463 kg of the drug seized.

The operation was conducted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Delhi Country Office and Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), following intelligence developed between August 14 and 29 on suspicious maritime containers shipped from Pakistan to Colombo.

Sri Lankan police said the consignment was intercepted at Colombo Port on August 31, after authorities obtained a court order to inspect a container. The methamphetamine was concealed inside towels or body wipes in the shipment.

The seized 463 kg of crystal methamphetamine was valued at about USD 21 million on the black market, according to the US Embassy in Colombo. The seizure was initially reported by Sri Lankan authorities as being worth more than Rs 8 billion.

Authorities have arrested several suspects in connection with the case. Sri Lankan police said a 44 year old Colombo resident involved in bringing the container into the country was arrested, followed by three Pakistani nationals aged 33, 36 and 51. Later reports said five suspects, including three Pakistani nationals and two Sri Lankans, were being held under seven day detention orders for questioning.

The US Embassy said the operation demonstrated the strength of the US Sri Lanka counternarcotics partnership in dismantling transnational criminal organisations that generate illicit revenue and threaten communities in both countries. The cooperation also builds on training and technical assistance provided by the US Department of State to Sri Lankan police and customs authorities.

Sri Lankan officials have said the country has seized nearly 14 tonnes of illegal drugs since October, including methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament that much of the illegal drugs entering Sri Lanka originate in Afghanistan and Pakistan and are transported by sea.

Investigations are continuing to identify other members of the alleged trafficking network and determine the intended destination of the shipment.