Authorities in Sri Lanka and the United States dismantled a significant shipment of crystal methamphetamine linked to a Pakistani drug trafficking network following a coordinated operation. The joint effort resulted in the seizure of approximately 463 kilograms (1,020 pounds) of the synthetic drug from a shipping container that arrived in Colombo over the weekend, officials said Wednesday.

Two Pakistani nationals were taken into custody in connection with the shipment, according to Sri Lanka Police Deputy Inspector-General Ashoka Dharmasena. The illegal substance was concealed within bath towels inside the container, highlighting efforts to evade detection.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo confirmed that the methamphetamine, valued at an estimated $21 million, was intended for distribution across international markets through Sri Lanka. The operation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police Narcotics Bureau.

Authorities began monitoring suspicious cargo from Pakistan between August 14 and 29, which led to the interception of the shipment. Both agencies worked closely over the two-week period to track the movement of the containers, culminating in the disruption of this large-scale trafficking attempt.

This case underscores the continuing challenges posed by transnational drug trafficking networks and highlights ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Sri Lankan law enforcement to combat illicit narcotics flows in the region. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to identify further links within the network and prevent future shipments.