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Sri Lankan monks arrested after 110 kg cannabis found in luggage
Customs officials at Colombo airport found about 110 kg of cannabis concealed in the luggage of 22 monks returning from Thailand. The drugs were hidden in false walls and mixed with school supplies and sweets, with each monk carrying around 5 kg. The monks were part of a four-day holiday funded by an unnamed sponsor.
Why It Matters
The incident is described as the first time a group of monks is suspected of smuggling drugs through Sri Lanka's airport, prompting questions about sponsorships and travel arrangements for monks.
Timeline
3 Events
News report published about the arrests
April 27, 2026
The article reporting the arrests was published. It notes the seizure of 110 kg of cannabis and mentions that the incident is thought to be the first time a group of monks has been arrested on suspicion of smuggling drugs into Sri Lanka through the airport.
Monks appear in court; remand and discovery of mobile-phone material
April 26, 2026
The 22 monks appeared in court and were remanded in custody for seven days for further questioning. The acting police spokesman said one monk who did not accompany the trip had told the others that "these parcels are a donation" and that a van would come to collect the packages. The Police Narcotics Bureau also found photos and videos on the mobile phones of some monks showing them enjoying their break, with images from temples across Sri Lanka.
Cannabis seized from monks on arrival in Colombo
April 25, 2026
Customs officials at Colombo airport found about 110 kg of cannabis concealed in false walls within the luggage of 22 monks who had just arrived from Thailand. Each monk carried around 5 kg. The drugs were hidden among school supplies and sweets. The monks were returning from a four-day, all-expenses-paid holiday funded by an unnamed sponsor.