Nineteen of the 22 Buddhist monks arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport last week with a major narcotics consignment have tested positive for drug use, the Judicial Medical Officer has confirmed, in findings that significantly escalate the case against the group.
The monks were detained on April 25 after arriving from Thailand with 112 kilograms of “Kush” cannabis and hashish valued at more than Rs. 110 million. They are currently being held and questioned by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB).
Investigators have also uncovered evidence that an earlier group of monks travelled to Thailand on a similar route, with narcotics smuggled in and stored at a residence in Athurugiriya. The homeowner has been arrested in connection with that part of the operation.
According to police, plans were already in motion to send a second group of around 40 monks to Thailand next month, suggesting the network had become a recurring smuggling channel rather than a one-off operation.
The monk alleged to have coordinated the trafficking from Sri Lanka was arrested in Gampaha while in hiding. Authorities said he had fled the airport on the day of the original arrests after arriving to collect the consignment. The PNB believes the wider scheme was organised by two individuals posing as businessmen, including one known by the alias “Haji” — figures previously linked to the case as alleged masterminds behind the Bangkok trip.
The 22 monks initially detained at the airport have been remanded until May 2. The Mahanayaka Theras of the three main Buddhist sects have urged authorities to act decisively against networks recruiting young monks for criminal operations.
Source: Ada Derana.
