A court in Negombo has remanded 22 Buddhist monks arrested in connection with a major narcotics seizure at Bandaranaike International Airport, in what authorities have described as the largest drug bust in the airport’s history.
The monks were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and ordered to be held in custody until 2 May, as investigations continue into the alleged smuggling operation and any wider networks involved.
Police stated that more than 110 kilogrammes of suspected kush and hashish, with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 1.1 billion, were discovered concealed in false-bottom suitcases. The luggage, reportedly packed with school supplies and sweets, is said to have contained over five kilogrammes of narcotics per individual.
The arrests followed a raid by the Police Narcotics Bureau on Saturday night, acting on intelligence reports. Investigators have also recovered mobile phone evidence indicating that the group had travelled to Bangkok on 22 April using airline tickets allegedly arranged by a sponsor. Authorities allege that the suspects were photographed in civilian clothing while overseas engaging in activities deemed suspicious.
Police noted that this marks the first reported instance of a large-scale narcotics operation at the airport involving individuals in monastic robes. The suspects are believed to be young monks from different parts of the island, reportedly engaged in higher education.
Sri Lanka’s senior Buddhist clergy, including the Chief Prelates of the main Nikayas, issued a joint statement condemning those accused as “impostor monks” exploiting the monastic robe for criminal activity. The Mahanayaka Theros called for a full investigation and stricter oversight within religious institutions, urging authorities to identify and take action against those 'misusing' the saffron robe.
Police say further inquiries are ongoing to determine the origin of the drugs, identify those who financed the operation, and establish whether additional individuals are linked to the alleged trafficking network.