Twenty-two Buddhist monks have been arrested at an airport in Colombo after officials discovered 110kg of cannabis concealed in their luggage, authorities said. Each monk was found carrying around 5kg hidden within “false walls” in their bags when they arrived in the capital on Saturday 25 April. The group, mostly students from temples across Sri Lanka, had just returned from an all-expenses-paid four-day holiday in Thailand.
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Customs officials carried out inspections on arrival and uncovered the drugs, leading to the immediate detention of the monks. A 23rd monk, believed to have organised the trip but not travelled, was later arrested in a suburb of Colombo, according to police. Investigators said he had told the group that “these parcels are a donation” and that a van would collect them.
Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau said mobile phones belonging to some of the monks contained photos and videos of the group enjoying their holiday in casual clothing. The images were part of ongoing inquiries into how the group became involved in the alleged smuggling operation. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the unnamed sponsor who funded the trip.
The 22 monks appeared in court on Sunday 26 April and were remanded in custody for seven days for further questioning. The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of members of the Buddhist clergy, who are typically held in high regard in Sri Lankan society. Officials have not commented on whether further arrests are expected.
The BBC reported that investigation is continuing, with authorities focusing on identifying the source of the cannabis and any wider network behind the operation. Further court proceedings are expected after the initial remand period as police examine evidence and question those involved.
Picture courtesy of BBC
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Adapted by ASEAN Now BBC 28 Apr 2026
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