In an unprecedented drug bust at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lankan customs officials have arrested 22 Buddhist monks after discovering a massive haul of 110kg of high-potency cannabis concealed in their luggage.
The group, consisting mostly of student monks from various temples across the country, was returning from a four-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Thailand. The vacation was reportedly funded by an unnamed sponsor.
The Discovery
Upon their arrival in Colombo on Saturday, customs officers inspected the monks’ suitcases and found approximately 5kg of “Kush”—a potent strain of cannabis—per person. The narcotics were expertly hidden within “false walls” of the luggage, tucked away among school supplies and boxes of sweets.
Following the initial arrests, a 23rd monk, suspected of being the mastermind behind the operation, was apprehended in a Colombo suburb. This individual reportedly organized the trip but did not travel with the group.
Deception Suspected
Investigations by the Police Narcotics Bureau suggest that the young monks may have been “mules” unaware of the contents of their bags. The acting police spokesman stated that the organizer had told the group the packages were “donations” and that a van would collect them upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
However, the investigation took a complex turn when authorities discovered photos and videos on the monks’ mobile phones. The footage showed the group enjoying their holiday in Thailand while wearing casual civilian clothing instead of their traditional robes.
Legal Proceedings
The 22 monks appeared before a magistrate on Sunday and have been remanded in custody for seven days for further interrogation. This incident marks the first time such a large group of the clergy has been implicated in a major drug smuggling attempt through the nation’s main airport.
Sri Lankan authorities are now working to identify the anonymous sponsor who funded the trip, as they believe this may be part of a larger international narcotics syndicate.
