22 Sri Lankan Monks Arrested Smuggling 110 kg of Cannabis in Luggage Upon Return to Thailand
Twenty-two Buddhist monks were arrested at Sri Lanka's airport with 110 kg of cannabis hidden in their luggage after returning from a Thailand trip, with a 23rd monk believed to have organized the smuggling operation.
Customs officials at Sri Lanka's airport arrested 22 Buddhist monks returning from Thailand after discovering 110 kilograms of cannabis hidden in secret compartments of their luggage. According to BBC reporting on April 28, officials found each monk was carrying approximately 5 kg of cannabis mixed in with educational materials and candy.
The monks had completed a four-day trip to Thailand sponsored by an anonymous benefactor. Following their apprehension, a 23rd monk—believed to be the organizer of the trip who did not travel with the group—was arrested. This monk had allegedly told the others that the packages were donations that would be collected upon their arrival.
Evidence found on some of the monks' phones showed images and videos of non-religious activities during the trip, including casual clothing and typical holiday activities. All 22 monks were detained for seven days of further investigation after appearing in court on Sunday, April 26. Police acknowledge that some monks may not have known they were transporting illegal substances, and investigations continue to identify additional suspects involved in the scheme.
