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Colombo Airport Seizes Record 110 kg Cannabis from Monks

4/28/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Customs officials said the 242-pound Kush haul is the largest seizure at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
Customs found 110 kg of cannabis in luggage of twenty-two Buddhist monks, who were arrested at the airport and stay detained.
Police arrested a 23rd monk in Colombo, alleging he organized the trip and hid cannabis in false walls among school supplies and sweets, suggesting monks may not have known what they were carrying.

History

Historical Context

After the United Nations adopted the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic (effective 11 Nov 1990) and nearly all states joined, Sri Lanka enacted the 1992 Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, raising trafficking penalties by 30 %. In March 2024, Sri Lankan customs seized 110 kg of cannabis hidden by 22 Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike Airport, illustrating the treaty’s enduring enforcement impact.

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Story summary

Customs officials said the 242-pound Kush haul is the largest seizure at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
Customs found 110 kg of cannabis in luggage of twenty-two Buddhist monks, who were arrested at the airport and stay detained.
Police arrested a 23rd monk in Colombo, alleging he organized the trip and hid cannabis in false walls among school supplies and sweets, suggesting monks may not have known what they were carrying.

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