Seizure of 110 Kilograms of Cannabis in Possession of 22 Buddhist Monks at Sri Lanka Airport

Sri Lanka Stops 22 Buddhist Monks at Colombo Airport for Smuggling 110 Kilograms of Cannabis

Sri Lankan authorities announced the arrest of 22 Buddhist monks at Colombo's international airport yesterday, Sunday, after returning from Thailand, with 110 kilograms of a potent strain of cannabis known as "Kush". Customs confirmed that this operation is the largest of its kind at the country's main international airport.

Details of the "Kush" Drug Seizure Inside the Monks' Luggage Returning from Thailand

Sri Lankan customs clarified that the group members, who were returning after a four-day holiday in the Thai capital Bangkok, hid the drugs inside their personal belongings.

A spokesperson indicated that each monk was carrying about five kilograms of cannabis, concealed within camouflaged pockets in their bags.

The Arrested Monks are Young Students and a Businessman Sponsored Their Trip

Authorities revealed that most of the arrested individuals are young students belonging to various temples in Sri Lanka.

It was also found that a businessman sponsored the trip, which included travel to Thailand and a four-day stay there.

All monks have been handed over to the police, and they will be presented later to the judiciary for necessary legal actions against them.

Sri Lankan Customs: Largest Seizure of Kush Drug in Colombo Airport's History

Customs officials confirmed that this case represents the largest seizure of "Kush" drug ever at Colombo International Airport, noting the seriousness of the quantity seized and the organized smuggling method.

They added that investigations are still ongoing to identify the parties involved in the operation or any potential networks behind it.

Previous Drug Smuggling Incidents at Colombo Airport in Recent Years

Authorities pointed out that last year, a 21-year-old British woman was arrested at the same airport after 46 kilograms of drugs were found in her possession while traveling from Bangkok to Colombo, reflecting the recurrence of smuggling attempts through this air route.