By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Sri Lankan authorities have detained 22 Buddhist monks after customs officials uncovered a massive cache of illegal drugs hidden in their luggage at the country’s main international airport.
28 April 2026 — The suspects were intercepted at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, where officials discovered approximately 110 kilograms of high-grade cannabis concealed within specially modified suitcases.
Authorities confirmed that each individual allegedly carried about five kilograms of the substance, marking the largest drug seizure ever recorded at the airport.
Investigations revealed that the group, largely made up of trainee monks, had just returned from a short trip to Bangkok reportedly funded by an unidentified sponsor.
A separate arrest was later made of a suspected organiser who allegedly misled the group by claiming the packages were legitimate donations.
The incident has sparked national outrage and raised concerns about the exploitation of religious institutions for criminal activities.
Authorities are now probing whether the suspects were knowingly involved or used as couriers in a wider trafficking network.
The case underscores tightening scrutiny at international entry points as Sri Lanka confronts evolving drug smuggling tactics targeting vulnerable or unsuspecting groups.
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