Monks Arrested After Airport Cannabis Bust in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan authorities arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday after discovering a large quantity of cannabis products in their luggage as they returned from Thailand, officials said.

Officers found about 247 pounds (112 kg) of cannabis products, including kush and hashish, concealed in the bottoms of suitcases, according to police. Local officials estimated the shipment’s value at $3.45 million and described it as one of the biggest drug seizures recorded at the airport.

Drugs found in suitcases after return from Thailand

Police said many of the monks were in their 20s. Authorities alleged each person carried roughly 11 pounds (5 kg) of the contraband, spread across the group’s luggage.

The monks were detained on charges related to cannabis possession. Officials noted that recreational cannabis use is illegal in Sri Lanka.

Police allege trip was sponsored to enable trafficking

Investigators said an unnamed businessman sponsored the monks’ travel to Thailand, and police alleged the purpose was to facilitate drug trafficking. Authorities did not identify the businessman in the information released.

After the arrests, police said another monk who had been waiting for the group at the airport fled the scene. Officials later arrested that monk on Tuesday in a suburb of Colombo.

Earlier case cited in March smuggling allegation

Police also said three of the monks arrested on Saturday are accused of involvement in a similar smuggling operation from Thailand to Colombo in March. Authorities did not provide additional details in the information released.

The case highlights the legal risks tied to narcotics offenses in Sri Lanka. Officials said convictions for drug trafficking can bring heavy fines, long prison terms, or the death penalty.