COLOMBO – In Colombo, 22 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were arrested at the international airport on Sunday after customs discovered a total of 110 kilos of cannabis in their luggage. The group had just returned from a short trip to Bangkok. Various media reported this.
According to customs officials, each monk had hidden about five kilos of Kush, a strong strain of cannabis, in specially placed ‘fake walls’ in the suitcases. The drugs were hidden among school supplies and candy.
The monks, the majority of whom are said to be students, were returning from Thailand after an all-expenses-paid four-day holiday allegedly offered by an unknown sponsor. Upon arrival at the airport, they were immediately intercepted by the authorities.
A 23rd monk, suspected of organizing the trip, was later arrested in a Colombo suburb. According to a police spokesperson, this monk — who had not traveled himself — told the group that the packages were “a donation” and that a van would be ready to pick up the goods.
Police told BBC Sinhala that they are investigating whether the monks were actually aware of the contents of the luggage.
The Sri Lanka Narcotics Bureau found photos and videos on the mobile phones of some suspects showing them walking around in plain clothes and enjoying their free time during their stay in Thailand. The monks involved are said to come from temples throughout Sri Lanka.
The 22 suspects were arraigned on Sunday and will then be remanded in custody for seven days for further investigation and interrogation.
