In Sri Lanka, 22 individuals disguised as Buddhist monks were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport for allegedly smuggling a large quantity of Kush and Hashish narcotics from Thailand.
Key Points
- 22 individuals dressed as Buddhist monks were arrested at Sri Lanka's Bandaranaike International Airport.
- The group is accused of smuggling 120 kg of Kush and Hashish narcotics from Thailand.
- The narcotics haul is estimated to be worth 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees.
- Leading Buddhist monks have condemned the 'monk impersonators' and called for their expulsion.
A group of 22 people dressed as monks has been arrested for allegedly carrying Kush and Hashish narcotics at the Bandaranaike International Airport here upon arrival from Thailand, Sri Lankan police said.
The Narcotics Bureau said the haul worth 1.1 billion Sri Lankan rupees was the largest drug seizure at the airport.
Details of the Drug Smuggling Operation
The 22 individuals were arrested on Saturday for allegedly carrying 120 kg of Kush and Hashish narcotics on false bottomed suitcases, police said. They had left for Thailand on April 22.
According to police, the suspects are residents of Ampara, Horana, Boralesgamuwa, Wadduwa, Warakapola, Piliyandala, Homagama, Athuraliya, Ambalangoda, Kudispaththuwa, Madapatha, and Balangoda.
Narcotics Seized and Further Investigation
Each individual was reportedly found carrying over 5 kg of narcotics in their luggage, totalling more than 120 kg of Kush and Hashish.
The group has been detained for further investigations.
Buddhist Leaders Condemn Impersonators
Meanwhile, the leaders of the three main Buddhist monk sects in a joint statement on Sunday slammed what they termed a group of "monk impersonators".
The leading monks said the impersonators need to be expelled from the Buddhist order and the state must come forward to frame new legislation to weed out impersonators.
