22 Sri Lankan monks were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport after authorities discovered 242 pounds (110 kg) of potent cannabis in their luggage.
According to customs officials, the monks were spending a four-day vacation in Bangkok, Thailand, when the drugs were discovered hidden within false walls in their suitcases.
There was about 11 pounds (5 kg) of “Kush” with each monk.
Among the group, the majority of the monks were young students belonging to temples from Sri Lanka. Their trip was financed by an anonymous businessman.
Another monk was also part of the group, but reportedly only organized the trip and did not travel with them. Therefore, he has not been arrested in Colombo yet.
The investigators found photographs and recordings from the phones belonging to the monks, which showed that the monks had enjoyed themselves during the holiday, dressed casually and even smoked cigarettes. However, as reported by the BBC, the police reported that there is a chance that the monks did not know what was in their luggage.
On Sunday 26 April all suspects appeared in court and were remanded in custody for seven days.
What is a Kush?
Kush is a highly potent, dangerous synthetic drug that is a pure/hybrid strain of Cannabis indica. The plant originates from the Hindu Kush mountain range and is considered poisonous. Chemically, it is combined with nitazenes, tramadol and formaldehyde.
