Stringent security measures at Sri Lanka’s international airports have reportedly pushed drug smugglers to shift their operations to sea routes, particularly the Indo-Ceylon ferry service.
Sri Lanka Customs officials intercepted a major drug trafficking attempt at Kankesanthurai (KKS) Harbour, seizing over 4 kg of ‘Kush’ cannabis concealed in a passenger’s luggage.
The suspect, a 33-year-old South Indian male, had arrived on the ‘Sivagangai’ ferry from Nagapattinam Port in Tamil Nadu with two suitcases appearing to contain only used clothing.
Upon inspection, officials discovered secret compartments beneath the padded layers of the luggage, hiding four trays of Kush weighing a total of 4,120 grams.
With a street value of approximately Rs.10,000 per gram, the seized narcotics have been valued at Rs.41.2 million.
A senior official from the Customs Narcotic Control Division said this marked one of the rare drug interceptions via sea, as recent detections have largely focused on airports.
The suspect and the contraband have been handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) for further legal action, while Customs continues its investigation.
Authorities believe this incident reflects a shift in smuggling tactics due to enhanced airport surveillance, signalling potential increased use of maritime routes in future trafficking attempts.
