COLOMBO, SRI LANKA — In a stunning breach of religious and civil law, 22 individuals dressed in the saffron robes of Buddhist monks were apprehended on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The group, returning from a four-day excursion to Thailand, was caught attempting to smuggle a massive haul of high-potency cannabis into the country.

Customs officials have hailed the seizure as the largest single detection of "Kush" and hashish in the history of Bandaranaike International Airport. The scale of the operation was staggering, with a total weight of 110 kilograms (approximately 242 pounds) recovered from the group.

Investigators found that each individual carried roughly 5 kilograms of narcotics cleverly concealed within false-bottom compartments of their luggage, buried beneath innocent items like school supplies, sweets, and confectionery. The massive haul carries an estimated market value of over 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees, or approximately $3.7 million USD.

The suspects, identified mostly as young students from various temples and monastic educational institutions across Sri Lanka, had traveled to Bangkok on April 22. Authorities reveal the trip was reportedly sponsored by a local businessman, who provided the airfare.

However, investigators from the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) uncovered evidence suggesting the monastic facade may have been a calculated cover.

"During the investigation, we recovered photos and videos from the suspects' mobile phones showing them in civilian clothing, engaging in various non-monastic activities while in Thailand," a PNB spokesperson confirmed.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s religious community. The Mahanayaka Theros—the senior leaders of the country’s principal monastic orders—issued a rare joint statement condemning the act. They categorized the suspects as "monk impersonators" who misused the sacred robe for criminal enterprise and called for the immediate expulsion of any ordained members involved.

The 22 suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court on Sunday and have been remanded in custody until May 2. A 23rd individual, identified as a monk named "Amitananda," was later arrested on suspicion of coordinating the smuggling ring from within Sri Lanka.

As the investigation widens, authorities are looking into whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger, organized syndicate using the immunity typically afforded to religious figures to move narcotics across international borders.