Cannabis Bust Shocks Sri Lanka as 22 Buddhist Monks arrest at Airport

Colombo– In a startling drug bust, authorities in Sri Lanka arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport for allegedly carrying more than 110 kilograms of cannabis, marking the largest seizure at the airport to date.

Officials said the monks were intercepted upon arrival from Thailand, with each individual allegedly carrying over five kilograms of cannabis concealed inside suitcases fitted with specially modified false bottoms. The operation was carried out based on intelligence inputs, police said.

The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth over $3.45 million (approximately ₹28 crore), according to government sources. Authorities added that Sri Lanka enforces strict anti-drug laws, with offenders facing lengthy prison terms if convicted.

Investigators from the Police Narcotics Bureau are now probing whether the group has links to organised drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

According to reports, the group — comprising young monks from different parts of Sri Lanka — had travelled to Thailand on April 22 using tickets allegedly arranged by a sponsor, raising further questions about a possible coordinated smuggling operation.

The accused have been produced before a court in Negombo, and further legal proceedings are underway as the investigation continues.

Officials noted that this is the first known case involving Buddhist monks being arrested at the airport for drug smuggling, adding a new dimension to the ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking.