22 monks detained over record Rs. 1.1Bn airport drug seizure

In what is being described as the largest drug seizure in the history of the Bandaranaike International Airport, 22 Buddhist monks were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (26) following a major narcotics bust.

The court ordered that the suspects be detained and interrogated for seven days after they were arrested with over 110 kilograms of Kush cannabis and hashish.

The group was intercepted by officials of the Police Narcotics Bureau late Saturday night (25) upon arrival from Thailand. Acting on specific intelligence, officers inspected identical luggage carried by the group and discovered approximately 112 kilograms of narcotics hidden in false compartments. The estimated street value exceeds Rs. 1.1 billion.

Investigations have revealed that the operation was allegedly coordinated by three monks from a temple in the Jamburaliya area, who are said to have recruited 19 others via Facebook. The group reportedly travelled to Thailand on April 22.

Preliminary inquiries indicate that most of the younger monks, many under the age of 30 and pursuing higher studies, were allegedly lured with promises of free airfare, accommodation, and meals. They were reportedly told they would be transporting “educational materials and sweets” for schoolchildren.

However, police discovered about 5kg of narcotics concealed in each bag. Digital evidence from mobile phones also suggests that some suspects travelled in lay attire while in Thailand.

The Police Narcotics Bureau has further arrested an alleged mastermind from the Meegahamulla area of Gampaha.