Two Maldivian nationals have been arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) in connection with the smuggling and distribution of a consignment of crystal methamphetamine, known as “Ice,” worth around Rs. 10 million, Ada Derana reported.
The arrests were made during a special operation carried out on PNB intelligence. A 40-year-old Maldivian national was taken into custody at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after arriving from the Maldives with 602 grams of “Ice” in his possession.
A second suspect, believed to be a main distributor of the consignment, was arrested at a hotel in Colombo, according to the report. Investigators say the two are linked to the same trafficking operation.
The seizure adds to a run of narcotics detections at the country’s main airport, where the PNB and Customs have repeatedly intercepted couriers attempting to bring in synthetic drugs. “Ice,” a highly addictive stimulant, has become one of the most trafficked narcotics in Sri Lanka in recent years, and authorities have stepped up interceptions at ports of entry.
The suspects are expected to be produced before court as investigations into the wider distribution network continue.
