23 Monks Remanded Over Smuggling of ‘Kush’ and ‘Hash’ Drugs from Thailand

Twenty-three Buddhist monks arrested over the alleged smuggling of ‘Kush’ and ‘Hash’ narcotics into Sri Lanka from Thailand have been further remanded until May 26.

The order was issued today (12) when the suspects were produced before Subani Abeysekara, the Magistrate of Negombo.

According to investigations, 22 monks who had travelled to Thailand on a tour returned to Sri Lanka on April 25. During inspections at Bandaranaike International Airport, authorities discovered 112 kilograms of ‘Kush’ and ‘Hash’ narcotics inside their luggage, leading to their arrest.

Further investigations revealed that a monk identified as Amithananda Thero had allegedly masterminded the operation.

Following the investigation, Amithananda Thero was later arrested while hiding at a temple in the Gampaha area.