22 Monks Remanded Over Drug Smuggling Case

A group of 22 monks arrested in connection with smuggling narcotics into Sri Lanka from Thailand have been remanded.

The suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (02), where the court ordered that they be held in remand custody until the 12th of this month.

The arrests were made on April 25 at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, when the group arrived from Thailand carrying approximately 112 kilograms of narcotics, including “Kush” and “Hashish.”

Investigations have revealed that a monk identified as Amithananda Thero had allegedly masterminded the operation. He was arrested while hiding in a temple in the Kalutara area and is scheduled to be produced before court tomorrow (03).

Authorities have also uncovered that similar smuggling activities had been carried out previously under his direction. Another suspect who assisted in the operation was arrested in the Athurugiriya area.

The Police Narcotics Bureau had detained the suspects for seven days for questioning before producing them in court today.