Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo after finding 110 kilograms (242 pounds) of cannabis hidden in their luggage. Customs officials discovered about 5kg of potent Kush cannabis per monk, concealed behind false walls inside their bags.
The monks, mostly students, had just returned from a fully paid four-day trip to Thailand organized by an unnamed sponsor. A 23rd monk, believed to be the trip organizer, was later arrested in a Colombo suburb. Police say the organizer told the monks the packages were a donation and that a van would collect them.
Officials found photos and videos on the monks' phones showing them enjoying the holiday in casual clothes. The 22 monks were remanded for seven days after appearing in court. Police suspect the monks may not have known they were carrying drugs. The drugs were mixed with school supplies and sweets.
This is believed to be the first case of a group of monks arrested for drug smuggling at Sri Lanka's airport.