Sri Lankan authorities stated 22 Buddhist monks had been arrested for possession of over 110 kilograms of cannabis – unlawful within the South Asian nation – at the worldwide airport within the capital Colombo, the biggest ever drug bust at the terminal.
Authorities stated the lads, who had been getting back from Thailand, had suitcases every containing greater than 5 kilograms (11 lbs) of cannabis at the Bandaranaike International Airport, in accordance with the state-owned Daily News.
Police stated the operation was carried out based mostly on a tip-off.
They allege the medication had been hid inside baggage utilizing specifically modified false bottoms.
The estimated worth of the narcotics is over $3.45 million (1.1 billion rupees), in accordance with the federal government’s official information portal.
Sri Lanka has extreme penalties for drug offenses and airports have deployed know-how to detect unlawful gadgets, in accordance with the UK Foreign Office. Arrests for drug offenses can lead to being held with out cost indefinitely and prolonged jail sentences if convicted.
The incident marks the primary time Buddhist monks have been arrested at the airport carrying unlawful medication, in accordance with the state-owned Daily News.
The group, made up of younger males from varied components of Sri Lanka, had traveled to Thailand on April 22 utilizing tickets supplied by a sponsor, the Daily News reported, citing police investigators.
Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau is investigating if the smuggling actions are linked to native drug-running networks.
The monks will seem earlier than the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for additional authorized proceedings and investigations, in accordance with state media.
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