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22 monks detained at Sri Lankan airport: tried to smuggle 110 kg of drugs
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Energy & Infrastructure

22 monks detained at Sri Lankan airport: tried to smuggle 110 kg of drugs

From Delfi · (6m ago) Lithuanian Critical tone

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • 22 Buddhist monks were detained at Sri Lanka's airport upon their return from Thailand, allegedly attempting to smuggle 110 kg of high-potency marijuana.
  • Each monk reportedly carried approximately 5 kg of "Kush," a potent form of marijuana, concealed in secret compartments within their luggage.
  • A 23rd monk, believed to be the organizer, was arrested later in a Colombo suburb, and the detained monks have been remanded for seven days.

The recent detention of 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, as they attempted to smuggle a staggering 110 kilograms of marijuana, has sent shockwaves through the nation. This unprecedented incident, involving individuals who are typically seen as spiritual leaders, has raised serious questions and concerns within Sri Lankan society.

Each monk had about 5 kg of so-called "Kush" โ€“ a particularly strong form of this drug โ€“ hidden in secret "walls" built into their suitcases.

โ€” Customs officialsDescribing the method and quantity of marijuana found with the monks.

According to reports, each of the monks, who were returning from a four-day trip to Thailand funded by an unknown sponsor, was found to be carrying approximately 5 kilograms of a particularly potent form of marijuana known as "Kush." This drug was reportedly concealed within secret compartments built into their luggage, suggesting a level of premeditation.

The investigation has since led to the arrest of a 23rd monk in a Colombo suburb. Police believe this individual orchestrated the trip, instructing the others that the packages contained offerings and that a minivan would collect them. The Sri Lankan Police's Narcotics Bureau also reportedly found photos and videos on some monks' phones depicting them in casual attire, a stark contrast to their monastic robes.

Police told the BBC that a 23rd monk was later arrested in a Colombo suburb, who is believed to have organized this trip.

โ€” Police spokespersonDetailing the arrest of the suspected organizer of the drug smuggling operation.

While the 22 monks have been remanded in custody for seven days, police acknowledge the possibility that they may not have been fully aware of the illicit nature of the cargo they were transporting. The drugs were allegedly found amongst school supplies and sweets. This incident is believed to be the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, involving a group of monks being apprehended for suspected drug trafficking through the airport. Delfi will continue to follow this developing story closely, providing updates as more information becomes available.

Police said that they believe the monks may not have actually known what they were carrying.

โ€” PoliceAcknowledging the possibility of the monks' unawareness of the drug contents.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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