Sri Lanka Customs seizes Rs. 1 billion worth of illegally imported painkillers

The Sri Lanka Customs Revenue Task Force stated that a stock of medicine worth approximately 1 billion rupees, which had been illegally imported into the country, was seized at a warehouse in the Colombo Port.
It was revealed that this medicine, considered a painkiller, is commonly used by individuals addicted to drugs.
Customs also noted that traffickers target schoolchildren when selling this medicine.
The importer had not obtained the required NMRA (National Medicines Regulatory Authority) license for its importation.
Approximately 1.8 million tablets of this medicine, imported by a businessman from the Pettah area, were found stored at the warehouse.
Customs officials stated that further investigations into the incident are underway.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Arjuna Ranatunga, brother indicted over CEYPETCO loss January 22, 2026
- GMOA announces 48 hour nationwide hospital strike January 22, 2026
- Nuwara Eliya records 3.5°C as Sri Lanka sees sharp temperature drop January 22, 2026
- CEB trade unions warn of action from February 01 over unresolved issues January 22, 2026
- IMF delegation arrives in Sri Lanka to assess Cyclone Ditwa impact January 22, 2026

