Two Indonesian nationals were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport on Monday morning while attempting to smuggle over five kilograms of the synthetic cannabis “Kush” through Katunayake, Sri Lanka’s main international gateway.
Officers of the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) intercepted the pair, a 22-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, before they could exit the country. Investigators recovered 5 kilograms and 401 grams of Kush concealed in five packets inside two travel bags, according to Ada Derana.
The estimated street value of the narcotics is close to Rs. 64.7 million, police said. NewsFirst put the haul at “over Rs. 60 million.”
Authorities said the suspects had purchased the narcotics in Bangkok, Thailand, and transported them to Bangalore, India, before flying into Colombo. The pair were allegedly attempting to smuggle the consignment out of Sri Lanka when they were intercepted.
Both suspects are to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, with further investigations expected to follow.
The arrest is the latest in a series of Kush seizures at BIA this month. On April 13, an Indian national was arrested at the airport with Kush valued at Rs. 113 million concealed inside chocolates. Kush, a synthetic cannabinoid blend that first appeared in West Africa, has emerged as a significant narcotics trafficking concern for Sri Lankan authorities, typically moving through transit points in South and Southeast Asia. On the same day, customs also caught a Chinese businessman with Rs. 34 million in smuggled cigarettes at the same airport.
The PNB has stepped up surveillance at Katunayake ahead of the post-Avurudu travel surge, with customs and narcotics officers coordinating on foreign-national screenings.
