Colombo Airport Drug Bust: 22 monks found with 110kg cannabis
Colombo Airport Drug Bust: 22 monks found with 110kg cannabis
At Colombo airport, 22 Buddhist monks were found carrying about 110kg of cannabis hidden in false compartments; a 23rd monk was later arrested as investigators probe a sponsored trip to Thailand.
Twenty-two Buddhist monks were arrested at the airport in Colombo after customs officials discovered 110kg (242lbs) of cannabis concealed in their luggage. Each monk was found with around 5kg of Kush — a potent form of the drug — hidden inside false walls in their bags. The group, mainly students from temples across Sri Lanka, had just returned from Thailand after an all-expenses-paid four-day holiday sponsored by an unnamed sponsor when they were detained. A 23rd monk, believed to have organized the trip, was later arrested in a suburb of Colombo, police said. Investigators recovered photos and videos on some monks' phones showing them enjoying their break in casual clothes, suggesting the trip was leisure rather than a religious duty. The drugs were found among school supplies and sweets, and the 22 monks were remanded in custody for seven days for further questioning after appearing in court on Sunday. Police told reporters they believed the monks potentially did not know what they were carrying. It is thought to be the first time a group of monks have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling drugs through the airport. The investigation continues as Sri Lankan authorities emphasize vigilance against trafficking networks that may exploit individuals through charitable or religious associations.
