The suspect, identified as an Indian geologist, was intercepted by officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Division while attempting to pass through the Green Channel, designated for passengers carrying no declarable items. The arrest took place at Katunayake Airport, where routine surveillance and inspection led to the discovery of the illicit substance.
According to official reports, the accused had travelled from Kampala in Uganda to Doha in Qatar before arriving in Sri Lanka on Qatar Airways flight QR-664 at around 10.40 a.m. Upon detailed examination of his baggage, customs officers recovered 2 kilograms and 150 grams of cocaine. The narcotics had been meticulously concealed inside two file folders that also contained certificates, indicating an attempt to disguise the contraband as legitimate documentation.
Following the seizure, both the narcotics and the suspect were immediately handed over to the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau in Katunayake for further investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing to determine the broader network and intent behind the smuggling attempt.
The incident underscores heightened vigilance by Sri Lankan customs officials at major entry points, particularly in cases involving transnational drug trafficking routes and sophisticated concealment methods.
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