22 Monks Arrested at Airport Over Massive Drug Smuggling Bust
A large-scale drug smuggling attempt worth over Rs. 1.1 billion has been uncovered at Bandaranaike International Airport, leading to the arrest of 22 Buddhist monks.
The arrests were made on Saturday night during a special operation carried out by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau, based on intelligence information.
Authorities discovered more than 110 kilograms of suspected Kush and hashish hidden inside suitcases with false bottoms. The luggage had been disguised with school supplies and sweets to avoid detection.
Investigations revealed that each suspect had been carrying over 5 kilograms of narcotics in their baggage.
Further inquiries also found that the group had traveled to Bangkok on April 22 using airline tickets reportedly arranged by a sponsor. Mobile phone evidence allegedly showed the suspects in civilian clothing while abroad.
The suspects, believed to be young monks pursuing higher education in various institutions across the country, are expected to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for further legal proceedings.
