The United States has credited Pakistan’s anti-narcotics agency with helping seize 463 kilograms of Afghan-origin crystal methamphetamine valued at $21 million that was destined for Sri Lanka, in an operation carried out last month.
Seizure at Colombo Port
The interception took place on August 30, when Sri Lankan authorities discovered the drugs concealed inside bath towels within a shipping container at Colombo port. Initial reports emphasized intelligence provided by the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the interdiction carried out by Sri Lankan police and customs officials.
A subsequent US statement confirmed that Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force coordinated with the American agency during the operation.
“The US Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pakistani Anti-Narcotics Force seized 463 kilograms of Afghan-origin crystal meth worth $21 million bound for Sri Lanka, leading to multiple arrests,” the US embassy said in a post on X.
Arrests and Investigation Details
The statement did not identify the individuals arrested or clarify whether they were detained in Pakistan or Sri Lanka. Following the original seizure, Sri Lankan police reported that two Pakistani nationals had been taken into custody.
According to the US account, the methamphetamine intercepted in Colombo is believed to have originated in Afghanistan before being transported through Pakistan. Sri Lankan authorities stated at the time that the shipment was linked to a Pakistan-based trafficking network and was intended to transit through the island nation en route to international markets.
Bilateral Cooperation Against Trafficking
The US embassy emphasized its long-standing support for Pakistani forces, stating that Washington has provided foreign assistance to train Pakistani personnel on a sustained basis, enabling them to serve as a partner in counternarcotics interdiction.
The operation was described as an example of bilateral cooperation against international trafficking networks. The embassy noted that disrupting the cross-border movement of narcotics also contributes to US security interests.
Afghanistan’s Role in Global Drug Trade
Afghanistan has long been a major source of illicit opiates and has more recently emerged as a significant producer of methamphetamine, including drugs manufactured from the wild ephedra plant.
Pakistan’s shared border with Afghanistan and its access to Arabian Sea shipping routes make it an important transit point for narcotics moving toward other markets.
