Twenty-two monks were arrested at an airport in Colombo after authorities discovered 110 kg of cannabis concealed in their luggage.
Customs officials said each monk was carrying around 5 kg of Kush, a highly potent form of cannabis, hidden inside “false compartments” in their bags when they arrived in the capital on Saturday.
The monks, most of them students, had returned from Thailand after an all-expenses-paid four-day trip reportedly sponsored by an unidentified individual. They were detained upon arrival.
Police later arrested a 23rd monk in a suburb of Colombo, believed to be the organiser of the trip. According to officials, he had informed the group that the parcels were “donations” and that a vehicle would collect them later.
Investigators also recovered photos and videos from the monks’ mobile phones, showing them enjoying their holiday in casual attire.
The 22 monks were produced before a court and remanded in custody for seven days for further questioning.
Police said it is possible that some of the monks may not have been aware of the contents of the packages, as the drugs were reportedly hidden among school supplies and sweets.
Officials believe this is the first such case involving a group of monks allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into the country through an airport. (Agency)
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