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Two held after narcotics seizure on Southern Expressway

Law enforcement authorities have arrested two individuals following the discovery of illegal narcotics during a vehicle check on the Southern Expressway. The operation marks the latest in ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking along major transport routes.

LSN Sri Lanka · 18 August 2026

Two held after narcotics seizure on Southern Expressway

Two suspects were taken into custody after officers intercepted a vehicle transporting narcotics on the Southern Expressway, according to reports from law enforcement agencies. The arrests were made following a routine inspection that uncovered controlled substances in the vehicle's possession.

The operation reflects intensified security measures being implemented along the expressway corridor, a key transport artery connecting Colombo with southern regions of the island. Authorities have increased surveillance and checkpoint operations in response to recurring incidents of drug trafficking through the route.

Details regarding the quantity and type of narcotics recovered were not immediately disclosed. Both suspects have been remanded into police custody pending further investigation. The Southern Expressway has emerged as a critical focus area for narcotics enforcement, with multiple seizures recorded over recent months as authorities work to disrupt supply chains.

The arrests underscore ongoing efforts by law enforcement to interdict illegal drug movements through major transport corridors across the country. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the transportation and intended distribution of the seized substances remain ongoing.