A court in Sri Lanka has approved a seven-day detention order for a senior Buddhist monk accused of orchestrating a major drug smuggling operation involving 110 kilogrammes of cannabis transported from Thailand by 22 young monks.
The monk was brought before a special magistrate at Negombo Magistrate’s Court, according to multiple local reports.
The case stems from the earlier arrest of 22 young monks at Bandaranaike International Airport, where officers from the Police Narcotics Bureau uncovered more than 110 kilogrammes of cannabis and hashish hidden inside luggage on a flight arriving from Thailand.
Authorities subsequently detained the senior monk on suspicion of facilitating the operation. He was presented in court at approximately 4pm on Monday.
Investigators told the court the suspect was being held under Section 54(1) of the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, facing allegations of aiding and abetting the trafficking of prohibited substances.
Officials further revealed that the monk had undergone a forensic medical examination, with blood test results indicating the presence of illegal drugs in his system.
Police also seized three mobile phones during the arrest. Preliminary findings suggest a WhatsApp group used to coordinate the smuggling network was administered by the suspect.
Officers requested extended detention to continue their investigation.
The defence team stated that no bail application would be submitted at this stage, though it may be pursued at a later date.
When asked if he wished to address the court, the monk reportedly attributed the incident to “ignorance.” After considering the submissions, the court authorised his continued detention to facilitate further inquiries.
