Image: Suspected monks were produced in the court and remanded.
Colombo, April 27, 2026 — Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 22 individuals in what officials describe as one of the largest drug seizures ever recorded at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), uncovering more than 110 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 1.1 billion.
The suspects, all dressed in Buddhist monastic robes, were intercepted late on Saturday, April 26, following intelligence-led surveillance by airport security and law enforcement agencies. The group had arrived on a flight from Thailand, a route that has increasingly come under scrutiny by narcotics investigators.
Drugs Concealed in Modified Luggage
Airport officials said a detailed inspection of the suspects’ luggage revealed 110 to 120 kilograms of Kush and Hashish, concealed in specially modified suitcases. Each individual is believed to have carried more than five kilograms, hidden in false compartments alongside items such as school supplies and food products in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Law enforcement sources said the concealment method suggested prior planning and technical assistance, pointing to the possible involvement of an organised smuggling network.
Young Monk Students Among the Suspects
According to police, the suspects are between 19 and 28 years old, and are believed to be student monks attached to temples across several districts including Ampara, Horana, Piliyandala, Homagama, Ambalangoda and Balangoda.
Investigators say the group had undertaken a four‑day trip to Thailand, allegedly sponsored by a businessman. The suspects were reportedly promised free air tickets, accommodation and meals.
Police sources said preliminary inquiries indicate that the group was told they were transporting “educational materials and sweets” intended for schoolchildren.
Arrest of Alleged Organiser
Following the airport arrests, police reported detaining a key suspect in Meegahawatta, Gampaha, identified as a monk who allegedly played a central role in organising overseas travel for the group.
Investigators believe the suspect may have acted as a coordinator, arranging logistics and communicating with handlers linked to the narcotics supply chain.
Possible Repeat Operation Under Investigation
Authorities revealed that digital evidence recovered from mobile phones suggests that some members of the group travelled in lay attire while in Thailand, raising further questions about deliberate attempts to mask their activities.
Police are also investigating indications that a similar operation involving 12 monks may have been carried out last month, and that preparations were underway for another overseas trip in the near future.
Court Orders Detention
The Negombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered that all 22 suspects be remanded until May 2, granting investigators additional time to question them and trace possible accomplices.
Law enforcement agencies are currently working to identify:
- Who financed the overseas travel
- The source of the narcotics
- Whether international or local drug trafficking syndicates were involved
Buddhist Leaders Condemn Misuse of Robes
Senior Buddhist clergy have publicly condemned the alleged misuse of monastic robes and the exploitation of young monks by criminal groups. Religious leaders have called for firm action against both impersonators and organised networks accused of targeting vulnerable monk students for criminal activity.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and stress that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
(C)SLB