Monks in Sri Lanka arrested for drug smuggling

TT

Updated 07.35 | Published 04.28

Buddhist monks. The picture is from a different context. Photo: Niranjan Shrestha/AP/TT

More than 20 Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka have been arrested with a total of 110 kilograms of cannabis, according to authorities in the country.

The 22 monks returned home after a four-day vacation in the Thai capital Bangkok. They were arrested at the airport after being caught with kush-type cannabis.

– Each was carrying about five kilograms of the drug, hidden in secret compartments in their luggage, says a spokesperson for Sri Lanka's customs authority, adding that the monks have been handed over to the police and will be brought to justice.

The monks are said to be mainly young students from temples across Sri Lanka. The trip they were on was sponsored by a "businessman".