A major narcotics haul worth more than Rs. 1.1 billion has been seized at Bandaranaike International Airport, with 22 Buddhist monks taken into custody, according to local media reports.
The arrests were made during a raid carried out on Saturday night by officers attached to the Police Narcotics Bureau following intelligence information.
Authorities said more than 110 kilograms of suspected Kush and Hashish were discovered hidden inside false-bottom suitcases packed with school supplies and assorted sweets.
Reports said each monk was allegedly carrying over five kilograms of narcotics in luggage.
Investigators also found that the group had travelled to Bangkok on April 22 using airline tickets allegedly arranged by a sponsor. Mobile phone evidence reportedly showed photos and videos of the suspects in civilian clothing while overseas.
The seizure is being described as the largest drug bust in the history of Bandaranaike International Airport and the first reported case involving monks being arrested there with a large narcotics consignment.
The suspects, said to be young monks from different parts of the country and pursuing higher education at various institutions, are due to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings. (Newswire)
