22 monks detained after smuggling 243 lbs cannabis through airport

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Sri Lankan officials have arrested 22 Buddhist monks after discovering a large shipment of cannabis at the country’s main airport. This seizure is reportedly the largest of its kind ever recorded in Sri Lanka.

According to the Malay Mail, customs officials found over 200 pounds of drugs in the luggage of monks who were returning from Thailand. The luggage was flagged, leading to the discovery.

On April 26th, authorities at Bandaranaike International Airport arrested the group after they arrived on a flight from Bangkok.

So, get this – the cops said these monks were busted with over 110 kilograms of weed! Apparently, they’d stuffed it into specially made suitcases. Crazy, right?

Monks arrested for huge cannabis haul

According to a Sri Lanka Customs spokesperson, each traveler was carrying approximately 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of cannabis hidden in secret compartments within their suitcases. Authorities are calling this the largest cannabis seizure ever made at the airport.

The group, known for their religious beliefs, was reportedly coming back from a trip abroad. It’s still unknown what the purpose of their travel was, or if they knew what was happening.

Cannabis laws vary greatly across countries in this region. Thailand has been changing its approach to the drug recently, but in Sri Lanka, possessing or selling it is still illegal and carries very harsh punishments.

Authorities are still investigating where the drugs came from and if others were involved.

This year hasn’t seen just one unusual arrest in Asia. Back in February, Thai police actually went undercover as dancing lions to catch a thief!

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2026-04-27 15:50