Sri Lankan monks arrested at Colombo airport for drug smuggling

Twenty-three Buddhist monks were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after 110 kilograms of high-potency Kush were found in their luggage. The 22 monks had returned from a four-day trip to Thailand, which was allegedly funded by an anonymous sponsor or businessman. Customs officials reported that each monk carried approximately five kilograms of the drug, concealed in specialized compartments within their suitcases alongside candy and school supplies. A 23rd monk was subsequently arrested and identified as the trip's organizer, who reportedly told the others that the packages were donations. Authorities discovered photos and videos on the monks' phones showing them in casual attire during the trip. On Sunday, a court ordered the monks to be held in custody for seven days pending further investigation. Police are currently investigating whether some of the students were unaware of the illicit contents of their luggage. This incident marks the largest seizure of Kush at the country's main airport to date.