Buddhist Monks Arrested in Sri Lanka for Drug Smuggling

At Sri Lanka’s main international airport, authorities arrested twenty-two Buddhist monks after discovering 242 pounds of strong cannabis in their luggage. According to reports, the monks had spent four days in Bangkok, Thailand, before making their return.

A spokesperson for Sri Lanka Customs indicated that most of the group was composed of young students who were on a vacation sponsored by an unidentified businessman. Each monk reportedly had around five kilograms of cannabis hidden in secret compartments of their bags. This seizure is said to be the largest drug confiscation at the airport.

The haul included both kush and hashish, with an estimated value surpassing Rs 100 million (approximately $3.5 million). The police officials executed the bust based on intelligence tips. Interestingly, the suitcases were packed with items like school supplies and snacks, disguising the hidden compartments. The monks had flown to Thailand on April 22, using tickets arranged by their sponsor.

In a related development, investigators detained a 23rd monk who allegedly organized the trip but did not accompany the group. Authorities believe that the monks might not have been fully aware of what they were transporting. Organizers had reportedly told the travelers that the hidden items were donations.

After their court appearance on Sunday, all twenty-two monks were remanded for seven days. Investigators also found images and videos on the phones of several monks that showed them in casual attire while vacationing in Thailand. Both kush and hashish are types of cannabis.

Drug-related incidents involving monks are not entirely uncommon. In 2022, several monks were removed from a temple in central Thailand after methamphetamine tests came back positive, leading to their rehabilitation.