A shocking incident at the Colombo Port has revealed the growing audacity of international underworld gangs. Five containers of red sugar were allegedly hijacked by groups linked to a London-based underworld leader, who manipulated the sale and resold the sugar at inflated prices, leaving legitimate bidders and authorities scrambling to address the security breach.
The saga began on Thursday (19th) when Sri Lanka Customs held a tender to auction 135 kilograms of red sugar. Sources allege that underworld groups pressured rival bidders to withdraw, effectively monopolizing the tender process. One businessman successfully obtained the sugar for Rs. 159 per kilogram, but the intervention didn’t stop there.
On Friday (20th), the same businessman was allegedly coerced into selling the sugar to the underworld-linked group at a secondary price of Rs. 212–Rs. 214 per kilogram—still well below the retail market price of Rs. 340–Rs. 360 per kilogram. In a calculated move to maximize profits, the group then resold the sugar at even higher rates in subsequent transactions, exploiting the market and their monopoly over the seized containers.
Port insiders revealed that such manipulative practices have become increasingly common. Criminal networks, some operating from abroad, have used threats and intimidation to rig tenders and dominate port operations. In previous incidents, the presence of police teams at tender sessions temporarily thwarted their efforts, but Friday’s events indicate that these measures are no longer sufficient.
What’s particularly concerning is the international dimension of this operation. Intelligence points to a London-based crime boss orchestrating the activities, highlighting the transnational reach of these underworld networks. Their ability to influence local operations from afar raises significant questions about the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s port security and law enforcement mechanisms.
In addition to the financial losses, the incident underscores the broader implications of unchecked underworld activity. Legitimate businesses are being priced out of fair trade opportunities, while consumers face rising costs due to market manipulation. The retail price of red sugar—already high at Rs. 340–Rs. 360 per kilogram—may climb further as these gangs continue to exploit supply chains.
Authorities now face mounting pressure to take decisive action. Strengthened security protocols, comprehensive investigations, and international cooperation will be necessary to dismantle the networks responsible and restore confidence in Sri Lanka’s port operations. The Colombo Port, a critical economic hub, cannot afford to become a playground for underworld syndicates.
