Investigations conducted by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) have revealed that three monks were involved in a large-scale, highly organised drug trafficking operation, using young bhikkhus from remote temple areas for their illegal operation.
The police said they had traced the masterminds behind narcotic smuggling by questioning 22 Buddhist monks arrested at the Katunayake International Airport yesterday (26) morning with a consignment of Kush and hashish with a street value of over Rs. 660 million.
Police said it was the largest-ever drug seizure at the Katunayake Airport, and the first instance of a group of monks being arrested there with a drug consignment.
The monks from various parts of Sri Lanka and reportedly pursuing higher education at different institutions are among those detained.
Police said three monks who allegedly organised drug smuggling have also been arrested.
The PNB recovered 101 kilos of Kush and 10 kilos of hashish from the suspects’ luggage. Investigators said one monk alone was carrying drug parcels weighing about five kilograms each.
According to investigations, the group left for Bangkok on 22 April. It is alleged that the three organisers recruited young monks from rural temples and organised the trip on the pretext of a religious visit to Thailand, while secretly facilitating drug trafficking.
Police further said that after arriving in Thailand, some of the monks had disrobed and engaged in leisure activities, including interacting with women, as revealed by checks on their mobile phones. The group is said to have spent three days in Bangkok before preparing to return to Sri Lanka.
Investigators said the monks had been given a parcel each by the organisers, who claimed they contained items such as sweets, chocolates, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other supplies meant for temples in remote areas of Sri Lanka. They were instructed not to open the parcels.
Police said intelligence regarding the operation had been received in advance, prompting a special inspection at the airport.
Investigations have also revealed that the three alleged organisers had travelled to Thailand on multiple occasions.
The suspects and the seized drugs were handed over to the PNG headquarters.
DIG of the Police Narcotics Bureau, Ashoka Dharmasena, also visited Katunayake Airport yesterday morning to review the operation.
The group arrived at Katunayake Airport on an AirAsia flight (FD-140) leaving Bangkok at 10.10 pm on Saturday (25).
The suspects are due to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings.
By Hemantha Randunu