22 individuals dressed in robes, who arrived from Thailand, brought the largest drug shipment to Sri Lanka.

22 individuals were arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau last night (25) in connection with the largest drug trafficking operation ever recorded in the history of Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport. These suspects had arrived from Thailand, and a stock of 'Kush' and 'Hash' drugs, valued at over 1.1 billion rupees, was found in their possession by security forces.

The unique aspect here is that this consignment of drugs was brought into the country by a group of individuals disguised as Buddhist monks, wearing robes.

This raid was carried out based on specific intelligence received by the Police Narcotics Bureau. Those apprehended by the law are a group of young individuals residing in various parts of the island and engaged in higher education activities at various institutions. Preliminary investigations have revealed that they traveled to Thailand using air tickets provided by a sponsor. During the examination of their mobile phones, investigators were able to uncover photos and video footage showing them removing their robes and engaging in various activities as laypersons in that country.

This consignment of over 110 kilograms of drugs was transported by creating false bottoms in the suspects' luggage and cleverly concealing them among school supplies and sweets. The relevant authorities further confirm that this marks the first instance in history where a group of individuals wearing robes has been arrested with drugs at an airport in this country.