Sri Lankan Monks Arrested After 110kg Cannabis Seized at Colombo Airport
Authorities in Sri Lanka have arrested 22 monks after customs officials discovered 110kg of cannabis concealed in their luggage at Colombo airport.
According to customs and police officials, each monk was found carrying approximately 5kg of “Kush,” a highly potent strain of cannabis. The drugs were reportedly hidden inside false compartments in their suitcases upon arrival from Thailand on Saturday.
The monks, mostly students, had reportedly travelled on an all-expenses-paid four-day trip sponsored by an unidentified individual. Upon their return, they were detained at the airport after routine checks uncovered suspicious luggage contents hidden among items such as school supplies and sweets.
Police further revealed that a 23rd monk, believed to have arranged the trip but who did not travel, was later arrested in a suburb of Colombo. Investigators say he allegedly instructed the group that the packages were “donations” and would be collected by a van after arrival.
Authorities also stated that photographs and videos found on some of the monks’ mobile phones showed them on holiday in casual clothing during their stay in Thailand.
The 22 monks were produced before court and remanded in custody for seven days as investigations continue. Police have suggested that the individuals involved may not have been fully aware they were transporting illegal drugs.
This incident marks what officials believe to be the first case in Sri Lanka involving a large group of monks being arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling at an airport.
