22 Buddhist monks arrested in Sri Lanka after record cannabis haul at airport

A major drug smuggling case has shocked Sri Lanka after 22 Buddhist monks were arrested at the country’s main international airport with a record quantity of cannabis hidden in their luggage.

Authorities confirmed the arrests took place at Bandaranaike International Airport, where customs officials seized approximately 242 pounds of a potent cannabis strain known as Kush.

Largest cannabis seizure at airport

According to Sri Lanka Customs, each monk was carrying around five kilograms of cannabis concealed inside specially modified luggage with false compartments.

Officials described the operation as the largest single detection of Kush ever recorded at the airport.

The group had reportedly returned from a short trip to Bangkok, where they had spent four days on a visit allegedly sponsored by a businessman.

Monks handed over to police

Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to police custody and were expected to be presented before a magistrate. Most of those detained are believed to be young student monks from temples across Sri Lanka.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the involvement of religious figures in a major drug trafficking operation.

Pattern of rising drug interceptions

Sri Lankan authorities say the incident highlights a growing trend of sophisticated drug smuggling attempts through airports and maritime routes.

Recent cases include:

• A British woman arrested in 2025 with over 100 pounds of cannabis at the same airport
• A Thai national caught with a record cocaine haul concealed in toys
• Multiple heroin seizures linked to smuggling via fishing vessels

Previous incidents involving monks

While rare, this is not the first time Buddhist monks have been linked to drug-related offences in the region. In 2022, an entire temple in Thailand was left without monks after they tested positive for methamphetamine, while in 2017 a monk in Myanmar was arrested with millions of meth pills.

Authorities step up enforcement

Officials say enhanced screening methods and intelligence-led operations are helping intercept larger quantities of narcotics. The latest bust underscores the increasing scale and complexity of drug trafficking networks operating across South and Southeast Asia.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the monks were acting independently or as part of a larger organized network.

Courtesy: cbsnews