The group of monks was arrested on 26/4 at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, upon their return after a four-day trip to Bangkok.

Sri Lankan customs officials discovered Kush, a high-potency cannabis strain, hidden in secret compartments within their suitcases. Each individual was carrying approximately 5 kg of the drug.

Most of the monks were young novices from various temples across Sri Lanka. Their trip to Thailand had been sponsored by a businessman.

The monks appeared in court in Sri Lanka on 26/4. _AFP_

This marks the largest discovery of Kush ever made at the main international airport of the South Asian island nation.

In 5/2025, a 21-year-old British woman was arrested at the same airport, accused of possessing 46 kg of cannabis. She had also flown from Bangkok to Colombo.

In recent years, Sri Lankan authorities have frequently intercepted large quantities of heroin and other illicit drugs smuggled into the country via small fishing boats.

Duc Trung (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)