Colombo (IANS): Sri Lanka seized a major heroin consignment smuggled from Pakistan, the customs department said Tuesday.

The heroin was seized when grinding machines imported from Pakistan were checked at a customs yard by officials, Xinhua reported.

The Customs Department said that 100 kg of heroin was detected inside the machines imported from Karachi in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka has been a transit point for heroin smuggled from Pakistan and parts of India, which is then sent to other countries or to local dealers.

The heroin was hidden in two boxes and was brought to Sri Lanka from Pakistan.

The boxes were labelled as hardware items but when the boxes were opened customs officers found heroin hidden among bolt nails.

In March this year, the customs department seized 36 kg of heroin at the customs yard after an attempt was made to smuggle it into the country.