Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has been the scene of multiple significant drug busts over recent weeks, with authorities intercepting narcotics valued at billions of rupees and apprehending a diverse group of individuals, including those disguised as Buddhist monks, a professional photographer, and international passengers.
Record-Breaking Haul Involving Individuals Disguised as Monks
The most prominent incident occurred on April 25th, around 10:30 PM, when the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) apprehended 22 Sri Lankan individuals disguised as Buddhist monks. This operation, following special intelligence, uncovered over 112 kilograms of 'Kush' cannabis and 'Hashish' narcotics, with an estimated street value exceeding LKR 1.1 billion. The drugs were meticulously concealed in specially modified false compartments within their luggage, which also contained school supplies and assorted sweets. Each individual was reportedly carrying more than 5 kilograms of narcotics.
This bust marks the largest drug haul ever recorded at Katunayake Airport and the first time in Sri Lankan history that individuals disguised as monks have been implicated in such a large-scale drug operation.
Investigations revealed that the suspects, aged between 19 and 28 years old, had traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, on April 22nd using air tickets provided by a sponsor. Their mobile phones contained photos and videos showing them in civilian clothes during their stay in Thailand. The individuals hail from various areas across Sri Lanka, including Ampara, Horana, Boralesgamuwa, Wadduwa, Warakapola, Piliyandala, Homagama, Athuraliya, Ambalangoda, Kudispaththuwa, Madapatha, and Balangoda.
Initially, a main suspect monk was arrested in Meegahawatta, Gampaha, believed to have planned and directed the Thailand trip. Further PNB investigations suggested three monks were the masterminds, recruiting young bhikkhus from remote temples with promises of pleasure trips. However, later interrogations of the 22 individuals revealed a businessman as the alleged mastermind behind the operation, shifting from earlier reports identifying a monk as the primary ringleader.
All 22 individuals were initially detained for seven days and subsequently produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, where they were remanded until May 2, and later further remanded until May 26. They were also produced before a judicial medical officer (JMO).
In response to this unprecedented incident, the Mahanayake Theros of the Three Nikayas issued a statement vowing to investigate all individuals impersonating monks and take steps to expel them from the Sasana (Buddhist order). It was revealed that the 22 robed individuals undertook their overseas trip without the permission of the Mahanayake Theros. On April 28th, the Mahanayake Theros officially approved the defrocking of the 22 individuals and will inform the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs. Buddhist monks have also requested the government to reinstate the previously removed rule requiring written permission from Mahanayake Theros for monks to travel overseas.
Photographer Arrested with Kush Cannabis
In a separate incident on the early hours of April 25th, Customs Narcotics Control Division officials at BIA arrested a 33-year-old Sri Lankan national identified as a professional photographer residing in Colombo. He was apprehended while attempting to exit through the 'Green Channel' after arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, on Thai Air Asia flight FD-140. Officers discovered 2 kilograms and 505 grams of Kush cannabis concealed within dried fruit packets in his luggage. The seized narcotics are estimated to have a street value of LKR 25,505,000. Investigations into this incident are ongoing.
Other Significant Drug Seizures at BIA
BIA has seen several other drug busts in recent weeks:
* April 10th: A 24-year-old Sri Lankan passenger from Grandpass, Colombo, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, was arrested with 4 kilograms and 778 grams of hashish. The narcotics were concealed within 15 chocolate-style packages in his luggage and valued at approximately LKR 47.8 million.
* May 10th: Another separate drug bust involved a 24-year-old passenger from Grandpass, Colombo, also arriving from Bangkok, Thailand. This individual was found with 4 kilograms and 778 grams of hashish concealed within 15 chocolate-style packages in his luggage, valued at approximately LKR 47.8 million. The suspect is expected to be produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.
* May 13th: In the early hours, Customs Narcotics Control Division officials arrested a 29-year-old Indian businessman who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, on Thai Airways flight TG-307. He was found with 4 kilograms and 389 grams of 'Kush' narcotics concealed in four packets within two pieces of luggage. The seized drugs are valued at LKR 43,890,000. Further investigations are underway.