US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung praised Sri Lanka Customs officers for two major narcotics seizures with an estimated street value of USD 1.6 million.
The seizures included 17.5 kilograms of hashish and cocaine—marking the first-ever interdiction of cocaine slabs at Bandaranaike International Airport—and 4.2 kilograms of synthetic drugs hidden in parcel mail at the Colombo Central Mail Exchange.
In a message posted on social media, the ambassador credited the success to the enhanced skills and commitment of Sri Lankan officers, developed through a US-funded partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The cooperation falls under the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme, which provides training and equipment to strengthen border security.
The initiative aims to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat illicit trafficking as a strategic transhipment hub between Asia and the Americas. (Islandnews)
Kudos to Sri Lanka Customs officers at @BIA and Colombo Central Mail Exchange for two major narcotics seizures: 17.5kg of hashish and cocaine—including the first-ever interdiction of cocaine slabs at the airport—and 4.2kg of synthetic drugs concealed in parcel mails. The total… pic.twitter.com/P7VCJIJ4QB
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) August 1, 2025
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