Sri Lanka: Drugs found with BiH citizen, authorities suspect they were planted

Babic, an international karate judge and coach at the "JION" Karate Club in Bihac, was arrested at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka on suspicion of smuggling 2.75 kilograms of cocaine. According to Sri Lankan authorities, the drugs were allegedly hidden inside shoes packed in his suitcase, with an estimated street value of €300,000.

It remains unclear whether the drugs were placed in his belongings without his knowledge, and an investigation is ongoing.

The Bosnian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the embassy representative, stationed in New Delhi but also covering Sri Lanka, visited Babic twice in detention, ensuring he had contact with his family. Additionally, the diplomat held multiple meetings with Sri Lankan foreign ministry officials, prison authorities, and Bosnia's honorary consul in Sri Lanka, Jito Warnakulasuriya, to discuss the detainee’s legal status and living conditions.

The Bosnian Embassy in New Delhi continues to cooperate with Sri Lankan investigative authorities and will relay relevant information through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy is also monitoring the legal proceedings and detention conditions as the case develops.