By Roy Denish.
Colombo Port drug seizure uncovers 470kg of crystal meth worth over Rs. 8 billion, with police probing an alleged international syndicate.
Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies have uncovered critical links to a widespread international drug-smuggling network following a landmark land-based seizure of crystal methamphetamine at the Colombo Port container yard.
Acting on high-level intelligence provided by an overseas informant to Senior Deputy Inspector General Ranmal Kodituwakku, law enforcement authorities obtained a court order to inspect suspicious cargo containers that had arrived from Pakistan. During an extensive search of the shipment, officers from the Central Crime Investigation Bureau, the Police Narcotics Bureau, and Sri Lanka Customs recovered approximately 470 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed within consignments of body wipes and towels. The total market value of the confiscated contraband is estimated to exceed Rs. 8 billion.
Police intelligence points to fugitive drug trafficker “Paravi Suda” as the primary handler behind the massive shipment. Currently believed to be operating from Pakistan after fleeing Dubai, Paravi Suda is suspected of coordinating the logistics alongside long-standing network associates, including figures known as “Angoda Priyantha” and “Ruben.”
Although official shipping manifests listed the consignment as transshipment cargo bound for re-export to North Africa, local investigators believe the syndicate intended to divert the narcotics into Sri Lanka’s domestic black market.
The ongoing investigation has led to several key arrests across the Western Province. Law enforcement officers detained Arumugam Shashidharan, a 44-year-old Dematagoda-based businessman whose company was allegedly used as a front to import the container. Following the interrogation of the primary suspect, three Pakistani nationals, aged 33, 36, and 51, were apprehended at a Colombo apartment complex. Additionally, a wharf clearing clerk who evaded capture during the initial raid subsequently surrendered to the Police Narcotics Bureau.
Law enforcement officials highlighted that intensified maritime patrols by the Sri Lanka Navy along the country’s sea borders have disrupted traditional oceanic smuggling routes. As a result, transnational syndicates are increasingly relying on commercial freight lines and container ports to move large-scale narcotics shipments.
The Police Narcotics Bureau and Sri Lanka Customs are continuing their joint investigation to identify additional local collaborators and trace the financial trail linked to the international syndicate.
