Buddhist monks on Thailand trip arrested with 110 kg of cannabis at Sri Lanka Airport

Customs officials told the BBC that each monk was found carrying around 5 kg of Kush, a particularly potent form of cannabis, concealed within “false walls” in their luggage when they arrived in the capital, Colombo, on Saturday.

The monks, most of whom were students, were reportedly returning from Thailand after an all-expenses-paid four-day holiday sponsored by an unnamed individual.

A 23rd monk, believed to have organised the trip, was later arrested in a suburb of Colombo, police told BBC Sinhala.

According to the acting police spokesman, the monk — who did not travel with the group — had told the others that “these parcels are a donation” and that a van would arrive to collect them, according to the report.

Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau also found photos and videos on the mobile phones of some of the monks, who were from temples across the country, showing them enjoying their holiday in casual clothing, the BBC reported.

The 22 monks were remanded to custody for seven days for questioning after appearing in court.

Police told BBC Sinhala they believe the monks may not have known what they were carrying.

According to reports, this is the first time Buddhist monks have been arrested at the country’s airport for allegedly carrying illegal drugs.