Twenty-two Sri Lankan monks have been arrested. Officials discovered 110kg of cannabis in their luggage at the airport. Customs officers found the drugs on Saturday.
Each monk carried around 5kg of a potent cannabis strain. This drug is known as Kush. It was hidden inside false walls within their baggage. They arrived in the capital city, Colombo. The monks were primarily students. They were returning from Thailand. An unnamed sponsor paid for their four-day holiday. This trip was all-expenses-paid.
This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in passenger screening. It also raises questions about the influence of external sponsors on religious groups. Sri Lanka faces challenges with drug trafficking. The island nation is a transit point. Such events strain law enforcement resources. Previous drug seizures at the airport have involved substantial amounts. However, the involvement of a large group of monks is unprecedented.
Police revealed more details to BBC Sinhala. A 23rd monk is also under arrest. He is in a Colombo suburb. This individual is believed to have organized the trip. He allegedly told the other monks the parcels were a donation. He claimed a van would collect them.
The Sri Lankan Police Narcotics Bureau is investigating. They found photos and videos on monks' phones. These showed them enjoying their holiday. They wore casual clothes. This suggests a disconnect from their religious duties. The 22 monks appeared in court on Sunday. A judge ordered them remanded for seven days. This is for further questioning. Police suspect the monks may not have known the contents of their luggage. The cannabis was found alongside school supplies and sweets. This suggests an attempt to disguise the illicit cargo.
The implications of this arrest are significant. It could lead to stricter scrutiny of religious travelers. Authorities will likely review security protocols at the airport. The investigation will seek to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation. This includes identifying all involved parties. The unnamed sponsor is a key target for further inquiries. The court's decision on the monks' knowledge of the drugs is crucial. This case sets a new precedent for drug smuggling cases in Sri Lanka.