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23 Monks Remanded Over Major Thailand Drug Smuggling Bust
The Pulse
CrimePoliticsTuesday, May 12, 2026

23 Monks Remanded Over Major Thailand Drug Smuggling Bust

TLDR

  • 23 monks remanded until May 26 for Rs. 110 crore drug bust.

  • 112 kg kush/hash smuggled from Thailand; Amitananda alleged mastermind.

  • Buddhist registrars urged 23 monks to voluntarily disrobe on May 15.

Twenty-three monks have been ordered to be remanded until May 26 by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. The clergy members were produced in court today (12) following their arrest in connection with a major drug smuggling racket. Over 110 kilograms of Kush and Hash, reportedly valued at over Rs. 110 crore, were discovered concealed in their luggage upon arrival from Thailand at Katunayake Airport on April 26. Police investigations have identified a monk named Amithananda as the alleged mastermind behind the operation, and he was subsequently apprehended.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 15 · 11:31 AM

In a significant development related to the Thailand drug smuggling case, the registrars of Sri Lanka's three main Buddhist chapters have requested the 23 monks currently in remand custody to voluntarily disrobe and return to lay life. This appeal was reportedly made on May 15th.

Update #2\u00b7 May 12 · 11:34 AM

The 23 monks arrested in connection with smuggling kush and hash drugs from Thailand have been further remanded until May 26. The case was heard today (May 12th) before Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekara. The initial arrest on the 25th involved 22 monks at Katunayake Airport, where 112 kilograms of drugs were found in their luggage. Investigations suggest a monk named Amitananda led the operation.

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