19 monks arrested at BIA test positive for narcotics

Nineteen out of 22 Buddhist monks arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with a large stock of narcotics have tested positive for drug use, according to the Judicial Medical Officer.

The suspects were taken into custody on April 25 after arriving from Thailand with 112 kilograms of “Kush” cannabis and “Hashish,” valued at over Rs. 110 million.

They are currently being detained and questioned by the Police Narcotics Bureau.
Investigations have revealed that a group of monks had previously traveled to Thailand, during which narcotics had allegedly been smuggled and later hidden at a residence in Athurugiriya. The homeowner has also been arrested.

Police further uncovered plans to send another group of approximately 40 monks to Thailand next month.

The monk believed to have coordinated the operation locally, was arrested in Gampaha while in hiding. The monk is alleged to have fled the BIA on the day of the arrests after arriving to collect the narcotics consignment.

Authorities have also stated the operation was organized by two individuals posing as businessmen, one of whom is known by the alias “Haji.”

Further investigations are underway.