Colombo Airport sees one of its biggest drug busts — Three Indians, including two women teachers, arrested

Three Indian nationals, including two teachers based in Mumbai, were arrested at Colombo International Airport in Sri Lanka for allegedly possessing 50 kg of cannabis, valued at LKR 500 million (over ₹14.5 crore), media reports said on Tuesday.

IBNS • 7 Jan 2026, 10:30 am

The seizure marks one of the largest narcotics hauls at the airport in recent times. According to reports, the contraband, valued at approximately ₹50 million, was intercepted at the airport’s arrival terminal when the three passengers attempted to exit through the “Green Channel” without declaring the items, Daily Mirror Online reported.

The two women suspects are aged 25 and 31. Customs officials stated that the male suspect is married to one of the women, while the other woman is his sister.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were promised a trip to Bangkok by drug traffickers, who allegedly arranged for the consignment to be transported via Katunayake Airport, the news portal reported.

Arrangements are currently underway to hand over the seized narcotics and the three individuals to the Katunayake Airport Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation.