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Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks Arrested with 110kg of Potent Cannabis Upon Return from Thailand

From Le Figaro · (9m ago) French Critical tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Twenty-two Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were arrested at Colombo airport upon returning from Thailand.
  • Authorities seized 110 kilograms of potent Kush cannabis hidden in their luggage.
  • This marks the largest seizure of Kush at the airport, with the monks facing legal proceedings.

A shocking incident has unfolded at Bandaranaike International Airport, where 22 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were apprehended by customs officials. The group, returning from a four-day trip to Bangkok, were found to be carrying a substantial 110 kilograms of Kush, a potent variety of cannabis. This discovery represents a significant blow to the illicit drug trade and a deeply troubling event given the perpetrators' religious status. The monks had ingeniously concealed the drugs within false compartments in their luggage, a tactic that underscores the premeditated nature of their actions. This is not merely a minor infraction; it is the largest seizure of Kush at the airport to date, highlighting the scale of the operation. The monks, many of whom are young students sponsored by a businessman, have been handed over to the police and are expected to appear before a magistrate. This event raises serious questions about the integrity of religious institutions and the vulnerability of individuals to engage in criminal activities, even those in positions of spiritual guidance. The Sri Lankan authorities have a history of intercepting large drug shipments, but this particular case, involving members of the clergy, is unprecedented and deeply concerning for the nation.

Each was carrying about five kilos of narcotics hidden in false walls of their luggage.

โ€” Sri Lankan Customs SpokespersonDetailing how the cannabis was concealed within the monks' baggage.
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Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.