**Title: US and Sri Lankan Authorities Collaborate to Disrupt Major Drug Network, Seizing €18 Million in Methamphetamine**
**Date: September 2, 2026**
In a significant operation targeting a Pakistani drug network, anti-narcotics agents from the United States and Sri Lanka successfully seized approximately 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, valued at €18 million ($21 million). The operation, which took place over the weekend, involved the interception of a shipping container that arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital.
Sri Lanka's Public Security Minister, Ananda Wijepala, informed parliament that the majority of illegal drugs entering the island are believed to originate from Afghanistan and Pakistan, with smuggling routes primarily utilizing maritime transport. This recent seizure is part of a broader anti-narcotics initiative that has seen Sri Lankan authorities confiscate nearly 14 tonnes of illegal drugs since October 2025.
The operation was coordinated by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police Narcotics Bureau. According to police deputy inspector-general Ashoka Dharmasena, two Pakistani nationals were arrested in connection with the drug haul, along with a local accomplice. The drugs were reportedly concealed within bath towels, highlighting the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to evade detection.
The US embassy in Colombo emphasized the importance of this operation, stating that it reflects the robust partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in combating transnational criminal organizations. These organizations not only engage in drug trafficking but also fund terrorism and pose threats to communities in both nations.
Minister Wijepala noted the alarming prevalence of drug use in Sri Lanka, with estimates suggesting that around 400,000 individuals out of the island's 22 million population are affected by substance abuse. This statistic underscores the urgent need for effective drug control measures and public health interventions.
Historically, Sri Lanka has faced challenges in addressing drug trafficking. In October 2024, a court sentenced ten Iranian men to life imprisonment for their involvement in heroin smuggling, marking one of the country’s significant legal actions against drug-related offenses. Additionally, Sri Lanka's largest single drug seizure occurred in December 2016, when customs officials discovered 800 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipping container of timber destined for India.
The recent operation against the Pakistani drug network not only demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Sri Lankan authorities to tackle drug trafficking but also highlights the collaborative efforts with international partners to enhance security and public safety.
As the fight against drug trafficking continues, both the US and Sri Lankan governments remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle such networks and safeguard their communities from the dangers posed by illegal narcotics.