22 MONKS ARRESTED AT SRI LANKAN AIRPORT OVER ALLEGED CANNABIS SMUGGLING

Tue 28 April 2026:

A group of Buddhist monks was arrested at a Sri Lankan airport on suspicion of cannabis smuggling, according to media reports.

Authorities detained the group after they arrived from Thailand late Saturday with more than 110 kilograms (242 lbs) of Kush cannabis and hashish, the Sri Lankan Daily Mirror reported Sunday.

The suspects appeared in the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on Sunday following the major seizure, and have been remanded in custody for seven days for further interrogation.

Officials said the narcotics were concealed in identical suitcases fitted with false compartments, with around five kilograms (11 lbs) hidden in each bag.

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The haul is estimated to be worth more than 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($3.4 million) on the street.

Investigators said the operation was allegedly coordinated by three monks, who recruited 19 others via the US social media company Facebook.

The monks were reportedly told they were transporting “educational materials and sweets” for schoolchildren.

Police have also arrested a man alleged to be the mastermind behind the operation.

Sri Lanka has severe penalties for drug offenses and airports have deployed technology to detect illegal items, according to the UK Foreign Office. Arrests for drug offenses can result in being held without charge indefinitely and lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

The incident marks the first time Buddhist monks have been arrested at the airport carrying illegal drugs, according to the state-owned Daily News.

The group, made up of young men from various parts of Sri Lanka, had traveled to Thailand on April 22 using tickets provided by a sponsor, the Daily News reported, citing police investigators.

Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau is investigating if the smuggling activities are connected to local drug-running networks.

The monks will appear before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for further legal proceedings and investigations, according to state media.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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