Sri Lanka Customs Seizes 393kg of Drugs as Authorities Tighten Postal and Cargo Inspections

Customs spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa said officials had examined a large number of suspicious parcels arriving from several countries and detected four types of narcotics, which were subsequently seized.

Comparing the operation’s results with those of 2025, Punchihewa said the number of incidents had declined this year. He identified Thailand as the leading country of origin for detected drug consignments, noting that 35 of the 67 reported incidents involved narcotics arriving from Thailand.

He also said authorities had observed an increase in narcotics being transported in unaccompanied baggage and identified shipping containers as another channel requiring greater scrutiny. Customs has consequently increased scanning inspections and strengthened its focus on these methods of smuggling.

Customs Addresses Nitric Acid Seizure

Punchihewa also discussed the recent seizure of nitric acid, explaining that the chemical can be used in the manufacture of heroin and explosives.

He said the consignment was not intended for Sri Lanka but was nevertheless seized by authorities. He also rejected claims that the chemical had been dumped into the sea, saying the associated risks had been managed and reduced.

According to Punchihewa, the Ministry of Defence had informed authorities that the chemicals were ultimately intended to reach a terrorist group.

He further referred to the risks associated with storing the chemical within the port, highlighting the need for careful handling and management.

Postal Department Strengthens Screening Measures

Manojani Nanayakkara, Superintendent of the Central Mail Exchange, said all domestic and international postal items are sent to the Central Mail Exchange, where Customs officers conduct inspections.

She explained that postal items are screened using sniffer dogs and scanning machines, while a CCTV camera system supports security monitoring.

Any narcotics detected are handed over to Customs, she said.

Nanayakkara added that the department’s objective is to prevent drugs from entering or circulating within the country through the postal system, and that measures have been introduced to support this effort.

The briefing highlighted the role of cooperation between Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Posts in detecting narcotics and strengthening controls over parcels and cargo shipments.