Sri Lankan authorities arrested twenty two monks at the main airport in Colombo after a major drug seizure. Customs officers found around 110 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside their luggage.
The group had returned from Thailand after a short fully paid trip arranged by an unknown sponsor.
Arrest of Suspected Organizer
Police also arrested a twenty third monk in a Colombo suburb. He is believed to have arranged the travel for the group.
Investigators say he did not travel with them but instructed the group that the packages were donations. He also told them a vehicle would collect the bags after arrival.
Monks Claim Lack of Knowledge
Security officials reviewed mobile phone data from some of the detained monks. The content included photos and videos of the group enjoying their trip in casual clothing.
Police believe many of the monks may not have known what they were carrying. The group came from different temples across the country.
First Case of Its Kind
Investigations are still ongoing to identify the full network behind the operation.
