Kotahena woman arrested in Seeduwa for hiding crystal meth, heroin & cannabis inside a teddy bear—child used as courier. Details here.
A 29‑year‑old woman from Kotahena, Colombo, has been arrested in Seeduwa for allegedly trafficking crystal meth (“Ice”), heroin, and Kerala cannabis concealed inside a teddy bear. Shockingly, police say she involved her 8‑year‑old child to carry the toy in a disturbing new tactic. The operation was exposed during a joint raid by Sri Lanka Police, the Special Task Force (STF), and the Tri‑Forces early on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Rajapaksapura. The raid uncovered not only the stuffed toy but additional packets on the suspect’s body. Investigators believe the woman travelled from Kotahena with drugs hidden in the toy and used Seeduwa as a remote spot to repackage the narcotics before returning them to Kotahena for distribution.
On the early hours of July 26, law enforcement launched a carefully planned raid on a boarding room in Rajapaksapura, Seeduwa. Officers found a woman from Kotahena sharing the cramped space with her 8‑year‑old child. As she left the room carrying a plush teddy bear, officers became suspicious and stopped her. The teddy bear appeared heavier than normal. A hands‑on inspection revealed the toy had been hollowed out and packed with concealed Ice (crystal meth), heroin, and Kerala cannabis, along with a digital scale—used to measure and package drugs
A frisk search produced more packets of Ice hidden on her body—possibly taped to her skin or inside clothing. Police charged her with trafficking controlled substances and exploiting a minor. The child was taken into protective custody by the relevant child welfare authority.
Investigators traced the woman’s travel path from Kotahena to Seeduwa. She allegedly carried the narcotics concealed within the toy—a gift to her child. Authorities suspect the move to Seeduwa was strategic: a remote location where she could repackage larger quantities into smaller packets for distribution back in Kotahena.
Investigators believe the digital scale found in the plush toy was used to portion drugs into street‑level units. The child’s involvement may have been intended to evade detection; few would suspect a child carrying a toy to be involved in a criminal scheme.
Police are investigating possible contacts or local networks that enabled her to source the drugs, transport them, and plan distribution. Stockpiling in Seeduwa might have been the final step before redispatching to urban neighborhoods.
Sri Lanka has recently seen inventive drug smuggling methods. Reports of cocaine hidden in plush toys at Bandaranaike International Airport made international headlines. In June 2025, authorities seized nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine stuffed inside teddy bears at the airport—dressed as innocent toys—but loaded with illicit cargo
The Seeduwa case signals a disturbing shift: traffickers are now adapting these methods at a local level, involving smaller quantities and using children unwittingly. The combination of Ice (methamphetamine), heroin, and cannabis points to a mixed‑substance trafficking ring.
Local police, STF, and military cooperation has become more integrated in recent drug operations. This raid demonstrates effective collaboration and highlights Seeduwa, once considered quiet, as a staging ground for repackaging heroin and meth for urban distribution.
Drug dealers often target slum areas or low‑income communities like Kotahena, where demand remains high. The presence of Kerala cannabis indicates continued cross-border channels, possibly from southern India.
The use of an 8‑year‑old child in such an operation deeply disturbed many in the community. Parents and child advocates in Colombo have called for urgent awareness campaigns. One local NGO spokesperson said, “We must teach children about accepting toys or items they didn’t ask for—and to tell a trusted adult if something feels off.”
Neighbors in Kotahena expressed shock that someone from their own community would become involved in drug trafficking. Many called for stronger surveillance and local reporting systems.
Child protection groups emphasize holistic support: psychological counseling for the child, legal safeguards, and rehabilitation options for the suspect if convicted. Police confirmed the child has been placed under state care and is receiving support services.
The case has triggered debate in Sri Lankan media and social platforms—discussions about parenting, poverty, exploitation, and the hidden costs of drug trafficking. Community leaders are urging education campaigns in schools to help children identify suspicious packages—even if they look harmless.
The Kotahena‑Seeduwa drug bust reveals a disturbing new method of trafficking: using children and toys as carriers. However shocking, the swift raid demonstrates the power of coordinated law enforcement.
If you see a child carrying an unusually heavy toy or package, or someone behaving nervously with odd gifts—report it immediately. Teach children to never accept toys or items without parental approval. Communities must stay alert, and education programs in schools and neighborhoods are vital.
Together, families, local communities, teachers, and the police can help prevent the next trafficking scheme. If you live in or near Kotahena or Seeduwa—and you notice suspicious behavior—complain to your nearest police station. Stay alert. Stay informed.