22 Buddhist monks arrested with 110 kg cannabis at Colombo airport in record drug bust
Sri Lankan authorities seized narcotics worth over $3.45 million, marking first such case involving monks as probe links to trafficking networks
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Colombo’s international airport for allegedly carrying more than 110 kg of cannabis, marking the largest drug seizure at the terminal.
According to a CNN report, citing the state-run Daily News, the suspects, who had arrived from Thailand, were found with suitcases each containing over five kg (11 lbs) of cannabis at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Police said the operation was launched following a tip-off, adding that the drugs had been concealed in luggage using specially modified false bottoms.
According to the government’s official news portal, the seized narcotics are estimated to be worth more than $3.45 million (1.1 billion rupees).
Sri Lanka enforces strict penalties for drug-related offences, with arrests often leading to prolonged detention without charge and lengthy prison terms upon conviction.
More from WorldAuthorities have also deployed advanced screening technologies at airports to detect illegal substances.
The case marks the first time Buddhist monks have been arrested at the airport for carrying narcotics, according to CNN, citing the state-run Daily News.
The group, comprising young men from different parts of the country, had travelled to Thailand on April 22 using tickets reportedly arranged by a sponsor, citing police investigators.
Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau is now examining whether the smuggling attempt is linked to domestic drug trafficking networks.
The suspects are expected to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for further legal proceedings, added the report.
With inputs from agencies
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