Over 110 kilograms of drugs found on 22 Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, 22 Buddhist monks were arrested while attempting to smuggle over 110 kilograms of narcotics at Bandaranaike International Airport, north of the capital Colombo. The seized drugs, primarily cannabis and hashish, are valued at over 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees (approximately $3.45 million), marking one of the largest drug busts in the airport's history. The monks, who arrived from Thailand, were allegedly recruited by three monks from a local temple, with the remaining participants lured through Facebook with promises of free flights, accommodation, and meals. Investigations revealed that this group had previously conducted a similar operation involving 12 monks and had plans for another attempt soon.
In Sri Lanka, 22 Buddhist monks were detained while attempting to smuggle more than 110 kilograms of narcotics. The “Daily Mirror” reported the incident.
The incident occurred at Bandaranaike International Airport, north of the capital city, Colombo. Law enforcement agencies have assessed this seizure as one of the largest in the airport's history.
According to reports, the monks arrived from Thailand, and a total of approximately 112 kilograms of “cannabis” and “hashish” were discovered among their luggage. The total value of the seized illegal cargo is said to exceed 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees (approximately 3.45 million US dollars).
The detained individuals were brought before a court in the city of Negombo on April 26 of this year. According to investigation results, the operation was led by three monks belonging to a temple located in the western part of the country. The remaining 19 participants were recruited via Facebook.
According to preliminary data, the young monks, most of whom are under the age of 30, were promised free airfare, accommodation, and meals. They were told they were actually transporting “educational materials and sweets” for schoolchildren.
Additionally, a suspected organizer of the group was detained in the Gampaha area. During the investigation, it was revealed that this group had carried out a similar operation involving 12 monks last month and had planned another trip in the near future.
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