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Posted on 04/28/2026 6:32:57 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Authorities in Sri Lanka have detained 22 Buddhist monks after customs officers discovered about 240 pounds (110 kilograms) of high-grade cannabis hidden in their luggage at Bandaranaike International Airport. Officials said the haul is the largest cannabis seizure ever recorded at the country’s main international gateway.
Drugs hidden in modified luggage
Customs officers stopped the group during routine checks after they arrived from Bangkok. Investigators said the monks, many of them junior trainees from temples across Sri Lanka, each carried roughly 11 pounds (5 kilograms) of cannabis concealed in suitcases fitted with false compartments.
A spokesperson for Sri Lanka Customs said officers grew suspicious during screening and conducted further inspections. Those checks led to the discovery of the hidden drugs.
Trip details and ongoing investigation
The group had spent four days in Bangkok before returning to Colombo, authorities said. The cannabis, commonly known as “kush,” is considered a potent and high-value strain. Investigators are working to determine whether the operation was organized and whether the monks were aware of what they were carrying.
Video clips circulating on social media appear to show some monks covering their faces with their robes while being escorted by officials. Authorities have not verified the footage but confirmed that all suspects remain in custody.
Court appearance and value of the haul
Police said the monks were handed over by customs officers and brought before a magistrate on Sunday. Legal proceedings are expected to continue as the investigation develops.
Officials estimated the value of the seized drugs at about $3.4 million (1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees). The scale of the case has raised concern, particularly due to the involvement of religious figures.
Reports of a sponsored trip
The Daily News reported that the trip may have been sponsored. It also said mobile phone data showed the group wearing lay clothing during their stay, rather than traditional robes. Authorities have not independently confirmed these details.
Alleged organizer arrested separately
Police said a 23rd monk was arrested in a suburb of Colombo. Investigators believe he may have organized the trip but did not travel with the group. According to a police spokesperson speaking to BBC World Service’s Sinhalese service, the suspect allegedly told the monks the parcels were donations and that a vehicle would collect them upon arrival.
Investigation continues into possible network
Investigators said efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the cannabis and identify any links to international trafficking networks. Authorities said the case will proceed under standard legal procedures, regardless of the suspects’ religious status.
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I was scandalized by Buddhist monks ordering diet coke on an airplane.
OmmmBudsmen..............
I live within walking distance of a Buddhist temple.
I thought that was incense they were burning all the time.........
And then they played Black Sabbath at 78 Speed.
Nothing to see here, just Ceylon
Every religion has their hypocrites.
So, would a Rastafarian be a hypocrite if they were caught with pounds of cannabis?
Customs officers stopped the group during routine checks after they arrived from Bangkok.
We’re on the train to Bangkok
Aboard the Thailand Express
We’ll hit the stops along the way
We only stop for the best
Holy cannibis Batman, thats a lot of pot
No, but perhaps some other drug?
I don’t know if marijuana is classified differently in Asia than hard drugs, but they may want to learn about Christianity if it is and be quick about it.
-PJ
You can be sure the corrupt Thai government will censor this from all the news. They control pretty much all of the media to some extent. Bet money on the government even being involved int the deal.
My first thought was that prison wouldn’t be a big change for them.
Of course, this was before I knew they smoked weed, so ...
The strange thing is that Buddhism can have even more restrictive rules than Christianity, but they ignore that.
LOL. That’s better than mine!
True. The only thing I’d want to smuggle out of Thailand is ingredients for curry.
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