Colombo: 22 Buddhist monks detained with over 100 kilos of drugs

The drugs were discovered in their luggage at the airport as they returned from a trip to Thailand. Suspicions have been raised that they were being exploited by organised crime groups. The monks were reportedly told they were transporting educational materials and sweets intended for children in Sri Lanka.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Twenty-two Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka were detained at Bandaranaike International Airport after over 110 kilograms of cannabis were found hidden in their luggage, with an estimated black market value of over 1.1 billion rupees.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, prompting leading figures within the Buddhist clergy to publicly condemn what has been described as a misuse of monastic robes, as well as the exploitation of young monks by organised criminal groups.

The monks, mostly students, came from temples located in various parts of Sri Lanka, including Ampara, Horana, Piliyandala, Homagama, Ambalangoda and Balangoda. According to authorities, they were returning from Thailand after taking part in a four-day holiday fully paid for by a sponsor whose identity has not been disclosed.

Upon their arrival in the capital, Colombo, last Saturday, customs officials discovered the drugs, finding approximately 5 kilograms of a particularly potent strain of cannabis, known as ‘Kush’, hidden in secret compartments inside their luggage.

Initial investigations suggest that the monks had been deceived: they were reportedly told they were transporting educational materials and sweets intended for children in Sri Lanka. However, the sophisticated methods used to conceal the drugs suggest careful planning and the involvement of an organised trafficking network, likely with technical support. The authorities therefore suspect that the young monks may have been unwittingly used as couriers.

Meanwhile, the police have also arrested a twenty-third monk, believed to be the alleged organiser of the trip, in a suburb of Colombo. According to accounts, it was he who reassured the other monks, describing the parcels as ‘donations’ and informing them that a van would arrive to collect them once they reached their destination.

Further evidence that has emerged includes photos and videos found on the mobile phones of some of the monks, showing them enjoying their holiday in civilian clothes. The Negombo court has ordered the remand of all 22 suspects until 2 May, giving investigators more time for questioning and to identify any accomplices.

The authorities are seeking to clarify who financed the trip and whether international or local networks are behind the trafficking. The investigation is still ongoing and the police emphasise that all suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.