Officials Allegedly Catch 22 Buddhist Monks In Historic Drug Bust
Image not from story. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP via Getty Images)
Twenty-two Buddhist monks were arrested at Sri Lanka’s main international airport after authorities discovered 242 pounds of cannabis hidden in their luggage, officials said.
According to a spokesperson for Sri Lankan Customs, the group had spent four days in Bangkok, Thailand, before returning home. Most of the monks were younger students who were reportedly on a trip funded by an unidentified businessman. Authorities said each monk was carrying about five kilograms of cannabis concealed in secret compartments built into their suitcases.
Officials described the seizure as the largest single drug recovery at the airport. The shipment allegedly included both Kush and hashish, with an estimated value exceeding 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees, or nearly 3.5 million US dollars. Police from the Narcotics Bureau carried out the operation based on prior intelligence. Investigators said the suitcases were packed with school supplies and sweets to help disguise the hidden compartments. The monks had reportedly traveled to Thailand on April 22 using tickets arranged by their sponsor.
Sri Lankan monks arrested after 110kg of cannabis discovered in their luggage https://t.co/LYZnK2G85P
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 27, 2026
Authorities later detained a 23rd monk who is believed to have organized the trip but did not board the flight. Police said he allegedly told the travelers that the concealed packages contained donated goods and that a vehicle would collect them upon arrival. Investigators believe the monks may not have known what they were transporting.
All 22 monks were brought before a court and remanded for seven days. Officials also recovered images and videos from several of their phones showing them in casual clothing during their time in Thailand.
This is not the first time monks have been linked to drug-related cases. In 2022, authorities in Thailand removed all monks from a temple after methamphetamine was reportedly found in their systems during drug testing. They were later sent to a rehabilitation facility.
About Post Author
