Twenty-two Buddhist monks were arrested at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport after authorities discovered 110kg of cannabis and hashish concealed in their luggage, officials said. The group was detained on April 25 after arriving from Thailand following a four-day trip to Bangkok, according to Sri Lanka Customs. They appeared before a magistrate on April 26, who ordered them held for further investigation. Customs officials said the drugs, identified as high-grade “Kush” cannabis and hashish, were hidden inside false compartments in bags packed with school supplies and sweets to e

Twenty-two Buddhist monks were arrested at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport after authorities discovered 110kg of cannabis and hashish concealed in their luggage, officials said.

The group was detained on April 25 after arriving from Thailand following a four-day trip to Bangkok, according to Sri Lanka Customs. They appeared before a magistrate on April 26, who ordered them held for further investigation.

Customs officials said the drugs, identified as high-grade “Kush” cannabis and hashish, were hidden inside false compartments in bags packed with school supplies and sweets to evade detection. Authorities estimated the street value of the seizure at more than £2.5 million (about 1.1 billion rupees).

Officials described the case as the largest drug bust in the history of Bandaranaike International Airport and the first known large-scale narcotics seizure involving individuals dressed in Buddhist monastic robes.

The monks, most of whom are reported to be young trainees from temples across Sri Lanka, were taken into custody after arriving from Bangkok, a route previously flagged in trafficking investigations.

Investigators are also examining the role of a businessman who allegedly facilitated the group’s travel, as authorities seek to determine whether the smuggling operation was organized.

The case has triggered widespread shock in Sri Lanka, where Buddhism is deeply revered.

Senior Buddhist clergy issued a joint statement condemning the accused, describing them as “impostor monks” who had exploited religious robes to conceal criminal activity.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing.

A little more informed. A little more connected.