22 Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks Arrested in Record Cannabis Smuggling Bust at Colombo Airport
22 Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks Arrested in Record Cannabis Smuggling Bust at Colombo Airport
Sri Lankan authorities made headlines on April 26, 2026, after arresting 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for allegedly attempting to smuggle a record 110 kilograms (242 pounds) of potent cannabis known as “Kush” into the country. The drugs were concealed in false walls and compartments of their luggage as they returned from a four-day, all-expenses-paid vacation in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to a spokesman for Sri Lanka Customs, each monk carried approximately five kilograms of the narcotic hidden inside specially modified suitcases. The luggage also contained school supplies and sweets, which officials believe may have been used as cover. The group—mostly young student monks from temples across Sri Lanka—was handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau.
Monks in traditional robes being escorted after the bust (AFP/Getty Images via news coverage).
This is believed to be the largest single detection of Kush at the airport and the first time a group of Buddhist monks has been arrested there on drug-smuggling charges. A 23rd monk, identified as a senior figure named Amitananda, was arrested separately and accused of organizing the operation. He reportedly claimed the parcels were “donations,” but investigators are probing whether the young monks knew what they were carrying.
The monks appeared before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody for seven days while the investigation continues. Sri Lankan Buddhist authorities have condemned the incident, stating they will expel any guilty parties from the monastic order.
Two of the arrested monks covering their faces as they are taken into custody (BBC News / AFP).
Additional images from the court appearance in Negombo, showing the monks in orange robes (New York Post / AFP/Getty).
Official Investigation and Context
The bust was carried out by Sri Lanka Customs in coordination with the Police Narcotics Bureau. No specific U.S. federal involvement was reported, as this was a domestic Sri Lankan law enforcement operation. Officials described the seizure as a major success in curbing drug trafficking through the country’s main international gateway.
Cell phones seized from the group reportedly contained holiday photos and videos of the monks in casual clothes during their Thailand trip, adding to the unusual nature of the case. The estimated street value of the cannabis has been reported in some outlets as high as $3.4 million.
This incident has sparked widespread discussion in Sri Lanka about vulnerabilities in the monastic community and the potential exploitation of young monks. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the smuggling network.
Sources: All details drawn from official statements by Sri Lanka Customs and the Police Narcotics Bureau, as reported by CBS News, BBC, The Guardian, New York Post, and other major outlets covering the April 2026 arrests. Public photos released via AFP/Getty Images show the monks during their court proceedings. No official evidence photos of the opened luggage or drugs have been released to the public as of April 28, 2026.
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