Katunayake, September 23, 2025 – Officers of the Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) arrested two passengers arriving on Air India flight AI 277 from Bangkok via Delhi to Colombo, in a major narcotics detection this morning around 7:30 a.m.
A 29-year-old Sri Lankan female was intercepted at the exit gate of the Green Channel, where officers discovered 2,081 grams of kush cannabis concealed in a false bottom of her luggage. The stock is valued at approximately LKR 20.81 million.
In a separate detection minutes later, a 48-year-old Indian male was stopped at the entrance of the Green Channel without luggage. When escorted to the baggage belt, his checked baggage was examined, leading to the recovery of 3,011 grams of kush cannabis hidden inside. This consignment is valued at LKR 30.11 million.
Together, the two detections resulted in the seizure of over 5 kilograms of kush cannabis, with a combined street value of LKR 50.92 million.
Both suspects, along with the narcotics, are currently under investigation by the Narcotics Control Unit and will be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further legal action and court proceedings.
Sri Lanka Customs reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation by strengthening surveillance and intensifying enforcement operations to prevent drug smuggling through the airport.