Sri Lankan, Pakistani, and U.S. anti-narcotics agencies have coordinated a major operation that led to the seizure of 471 kilograms of high-purity crystal methamphetamine, worth an estimated Rs. seven billion (approximately $21 million), at Colombo Port on August 31. This operation marked a significant regional effort to disrupt an international drug trafficking network.
The investigation began with intelligence gathered by Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), which uncovered suspicious activities involving shipments at Karachi Port. Pakistani authorities intercepted a container and recovered 200 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. During this raid, Afghan national Ehsanullah, identified as a key figure in the network, was arrested alongside several alleged local accomplices. Information from this operation was then shared with counterparts in the United States and Sri Lanka.
Using the intelligence provided, Sri Lankan law enforcement focused on a container arriving from Pakistan, declared as a consignment of towels. The shipment had remained uncleared since June and was in the process of being prepared for re-export to Cameroon. A search conducted by Sri Lankan Customs and Police revealed the concealed narcotics inside the towels.
Seven suspects were detained following the Colombo port seizure, including three Pakistani nationals and four Sri Lankan citizens. Authorities said Sri Lanka was being used as a transit point for drugs destined for international markets.
Deputy Inspector General Ashoka Dharmasena stated that investigations have broadened to identify the network’s full extent, including key individuals, trafficking routes, and international ties. The operation exemplifies growing regional cooperation among law enforcement bodies to combat transnational organized crime.
Tourism Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe emphasized the government’s commitment to dismantling the nexus between organized crime, drug trafficking, and political influence. He rejected claims that the crackdown was politically motivated, affirming that investigations were evidence-based and conducted independently by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
The government’s anti-crime campaign has also placed political figures under scrutiny. On September 3, former State Minister Arundika Fernando was questioned over allegations linking him to suspected drug trafficker Shiran Basik, who remains in detention. Fernando denied all involvement.
Police data reveals that authorities have frozen assets exceeding Rs. 6 billion connected to organized crime and money laundering. These include luxury properties, land, vehicles, fishing trawlers, cash, and bank accounts tied to major drug trafficking cases. Notable among the suspects is Rajapaksha Pathirange Prabath Madushanka, known as “Midigama Chuti,” whose property is believed to have been purchased with illicit proceeds.
Further arrests took place on September 4, when Bandula Dissanayake, alias “Army Disa,” a suspected organized crime figure, was detained upon deportation from Abu Dhabi. He is linked to a significant drug and firearms smuggling operation uncovered by the Sri Lanka Navy, which seized 600 kilograms of narcotics along with multiple firearms. Two other individuals wanted for similar offenses were also deported from Abu Dhabi and handed over to Sri Lankan authorities.
Investigations are unveiling possible infiltration of organized crime within governmental institutions. Forensic analysis of a phone belonging to detained gang leader Manudinu Padmasiri Perera, known as “Kehelbadda Padme,” revealed contacts including 13 prison officers and photographs of political figures. Padme has been named a suspect in the murder of rival gang leader Gaemulla Sanjeewa. His legal team has expressed concerns over his safety in custody.
These developments illustrate a shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to tackling organized crime, focusing not only on arrests but also on disrupting financial networks, tracing international connections, and holding influential figures accountable.