KNOWLEDGE HUB

Wednesday, September 2 2026

Wednesday, September 2 2026

Crystal Meth Racket Busted in Sri Lanka with US Pakistan Support

Published Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 1:15 PM

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MONETABRIEF – Authorities in Sri Lanka and Pakistan working with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has busted narcotrafficking network that was smuggling crystal methamphetamine through Sri Lanka to international markets.

Acting on intelligence from Pakistan Anti-Narcotics Force Special Investigations Cell, which is working with the DEA, Sri Lanka's Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) has seized suspicious containers moving to Colombo Port, the US embassy said.

PNB seized 463 kg of crystal methamphetamine, valued at $21 million, hidden in bath towels, and arrested several suspects, including Pakistani nationals.

"This operation underscores the strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership in dismantling transnational criminal organizations that fund terrorism and threaten communities in both our countries," the US embassy said.

"This cooperation builds on longstanding training and technical assistance provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to the Sri Lanka Police and Customs."

The United States is committed to working with Sri Lanka and regional partners to aggressively pursue transnational criminal organizations, deny them the revenue from illicit drug trafficking, and protect citizens, the embassy said. (Colombo/Sept02/2026)

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