Monks nabbed at BIA with over 110kg of narcotics

By T.K.G. Kapila

Colombo, April 26 (Daily Mirror) - A group of young monks pursuing higher education in various institutions across Sri Lanka has been apprehended at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for allegedly smuggling a large stock of narcotics into the country.

Airport authorities and officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) detected the suspects upon their arrival from Bangkok, Thailand on April 25 at around 10.10 p.m. on Thai AirAsia flight FD-140.

Investigations revealed that the group had travelled to Thailand on April 22 using air tickets provided by a sponsor. 

During their stay, they had reportedly appeared in civilian attire and engaged in various activities. Suspicious photos and videos stored on their mobile phones had drawn the attention of PNB officers.

Upon inspection, officials discovered that the monks had concealed more than 110 kilograms of narcotics, including “kush” and “hash,” within specially prepared luggage. The drugs had been hidden inside bags containing school supplies and assorted sweets.

Each individual was found to be carrying over five kilograms of narcotics in their personal luggage, according to authorities.

The suspects have been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway by the Police Narcotics Bureau to determine the origin of the drugs and any possible links to an international trafficking network.