463kg of ‘Ice’ worth over Rs. 8 Billion seized at Colombo Port

Sri Lanka Police have seized 463 kilograms of “Ice” (crystal methamphetamine) concealed inside a container carrying body towels at the Colombo Port and arrested four suspects, including three Pakistani nationals, in connection with the drug shipment.

The Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) received information that the drugs had been brought by sea from a foreign country to the Colombo Port for re-export and were concealed inside a container at the port yard.

After obtaining an order from the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court to inspect the container, CCIB officers searched it on the afternoon of August 31, 2026, with the assistance of officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau and Sri Lanka Customs.

During the inspection, officers found 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine carefully concealed inside the container, which was carrying body towels.

The drugs are estimated to be worth more than Rs. 8 billion.

Police also arrested a 44-year-old resident of Dematagoda who had imported the container into Sri Lanka.

Following further questioning of the suspect, three more individuals were arrested in connection with bringing the stock of drugs into the country.

Police said the three suspects are Pakistani nationals aged 33, 36 and 51.

The seized drugs and all four suspects have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau, which is conducting further investigations into the case.

— Last Updated: September 01, 2026, at 10:55 AM —