Record Cannabis Haul Uncovered at Colombo Airport

On 26 April 2026, Sri Lankan authorities detained 22 individuals in monastic robes at Bandaranaike Airport after a flight from Thailand. Customs found 110–120 kg (?242 lb) of Kush-type cannabis and hashish hidden in false suitcase compartments. The suspects were sent to Negombo Magistrate’s Court for a seven-day remand.

110kg drug haul at BIA

Sri Lanka Customs called the haul the largest ever at BIA and shared intelligence with the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB). The monks, who had traveled to Bangkok on an unnamed sponsor’s tickets, returned on Flight FD140 on 26 April 2026, where officers seized their luggage and arrested them. They were taken to Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera, who ordered a seven-day detention. A 23rd monk, alleged organiser, was arrested in Meegahawatta on 27 April 2026.

Rs. 1.1 b drug haul seized at BIA; 22 men disguised as monks arrested in record bust

Authorities reported over 110 kg of Kush and hashish, with each suspect carrying about five kilograms in false compartments. The haul was valued at more than Rs 1.1 billion (?US $35 million). Some sources cite 120 kg, indicating minor measurement differences.

110kg drug haul at BIA

Chandana Punchihewa said each suspect concealed about five kilograms of narcotics in false compartments. Police said the raid was based on prior intelligence and that suspects will be further questioned. Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera ordered a seven-day remand for the detainees. The Mahanayaka Theras called act a grave misuse of saffron robe and urged action. Sponsor gave no comment.

110kg drug haul at BIA

The three chief Nikayas condemned the “anti-Sasana” conduct, labeling the perpetrators “monk impersonators” who exploited reverence for monks, and urged state action to investigate drug networks targeting young monastics and to create mechanisms for expelling those who abuse monastic identity.

110kg drug haul at BIA

Sources differ on the seized weight (110 kg vs 120 kg) and suspect count (22 vs a later-identified 23rd monk). The sponsor is variously described as an unnamed businessman, external sponsor, or simply “a sponsor.” Recruitment is reported as either social-media offers of free travel or a pre-arranged all-expenses-paid holiday, underscoring gaps.

BBC News

• "Each carried about five kilos of the narcotic concealed within false walls in their luggage." — Chandana Punchihewa, Sri Lanka Customs Spokesman

Rs. 1.1 b drug haul seized at BIA; 22 men disguised as monks arrested in record bust

• "A 23rd monk, believed to have organised the trip, has since been arrested in a suburb of Colombo." — BBC Sinhala

BBC News

• "Police uncovered more than 120 kilograms of Kush and Hashish, each suspect carrying over five kilograms concealed in their luggage." — Police (News First)

Monk Arrested as Main Suspect in Rs. 1.1 Billion Drug Smuggling Case Involving 22 at BIA

• "It also called on Buddhist teachers to remain vigilant and take appropriate action against any monk engaged in anti-Sasana conduct." — Mahanayaka Theras (joint statement)

110kg drug haul at BIABBC NewsMonk Arrested as Main Suspect in Rs. 1.1 Billion Drug Smuggling Case Involving 22 at BIASouth China Morning PostKTVT - Dallas - Fort Worth NewsRs. 1.1 b drug haul seized at BIA; 22 men disguised as monks arrested in record bust

The suspects will appear before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court for formal charges, while investigators continue forensic analysis of mobile-phone data and suitcase contents. The Nikayas have announced internal inquiries, and lawmakers are expected to review legislation on monastic identity misuse.

110kg drug haul at BIA