23 Monks Remanded Over Thailand Drug Smuggling Case

Twenty-three monks arrested in connection with the smuggling of ‘Kush’ and ‘Hesh’ drugs into the country from Thailand have been remanded until May 26.

The order was issued by Negombo Magistrate Subani Abeysekera when the suspects were produced before court today (May 12).

According to investigations, 22 monks who had travelled to Thailand were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport on April 25 after authorities discovered 112 kilograms of ‘Kush’ and ‘Hesh’ drugs in their luggage upon arrival in the country.

Further investigations revealed that a monk identified as “Amitananda” was allegedly the mastermind behind the smuggling operation.

Following the findings, the monk was later arrested while allegedly hiding at a temple in the Gampaha area.