- 22 suspects dressed as monks arrested
- Kush and hashish hidden in luggage false compartments
- Thailand trip under probe
- Mahanayakas condemn ‘robe misuse’
In one of the largest narcotics seizures ever recorded at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, 22 individuals dressed in Buddhist monastic robes were arrested with more than 110 kilograms of ‘Kush’ cannabis and ‘Hashish’ valued at over Rs. 110 million.
The arrests were made during a special operation conducted yesterday (26) by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau’s (PNB) airport unit.
Police stated the drugs were concealed inside specially modified false compartments in the suspects’ luggage, hidden among school supplies and confectionery items. Each suspect was reportedly carrying more than five kilograms of narcotics.
The Police Media Division told The Daily Morning the suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The suspects were produced before the Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera, who ordered them to be detained for seven days for questioning.
It has been revealed the suspects had travelled to Thailand on 22 April using airline tickets allegedly provided by a sponsor. While there, they had reportedly changed into civilian clothing and engaged in various activities. Photographs and video footage recovered from their mobile phones are now being analysed as part of the investigation.
Officials said this is the first recorded instance of a group wearing monastic robes being arrested at BIA in connection with drug trafficking. The suspects are described as young monks from different parts of Sri Lanka, many of whom are reportedly pursuing higher education.
Meanwhile, Mahanayaka Theras of the three main Nikayas—Siyam, Amarapura, and Ramanna—issued a joint statement strongly condemning the anti-Sasana and illegal acts of a group of “monk impersonators” accused of misusing the saffron robe to traffic drugs.
They stressed that those involved must be duly punished, noting the acts exploit the deep respect afforded to monks in Sri Lankan society and undermine the sanctity of the robe.
The Theras called for urgent State intervention to establish legal provisions to investigate and expel individuals who abuse monastic identity for criminal activity. They added that the respective Nikayas would also conduct their own inquiries and take steps to remove those found guilty from the order.
The statement further urged security forces to intensify investigations into organised drug networks believed to be systematically targeting and influencing young monks. It also called on Buddhist teachers to remain vigilant and take appropriate action against any monk engaged in anti-Sasana conduct.