Individuals Appearing to be Monks Arrested With Stocks of Narcotics; Detained for Questioning

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Police has revealed that the 22 individuals who appeared to be monks, who were arrested with stocks of Kush and Hashish narcotics, will be detained for seven days for questioning, under detention orders.

The suspects are aged between 19 and 28. 

According to police, the suspects are residents of Ampara, Horana, Boralesgamuwa, Wadduwa, Warakapola, Piliyandala, Homagama, Athuraliya, Ambalangoda, Kudispaththuwa, Madapatha, and Balangoda.

The group was apprehended at the Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), while attempting to smuggle a massive haul of Kush and Hashish valued at over Rs. 1.1 billion. 

The arrests were made based on an intelligence tip-off received by the PNB, as the group arrived at BIA in Katunayake from Thailand. 

Police investigations have revealed that three of the suspects had previously traveled to Bangkok.

Each individual was found carrying over 5 kg of narcotics in their luggage, totaling more than 120 kg of Kush and Hashish. 

The drugs were discovered hidden in false compartments in the suitcases, concealed alongside school supplies and food.