Colombo: A group of 22 monks have been arrested at an airport in Sri Lanka after customs officials uncovered a large quantity of cannabis concealed inside their luggage.

Officials said the monks were found carrying a total of 110kg (242lbs) of cannabis. Each person was reportedly in possession of around 5kg of Kush and Hashish, a highly potent form of the drug.

Customs officers discovered the substance hidden within specially created “false walls” in their suitcases when the group arrived in Colombo on Saturday.

Trip from Thailand raises suspicion

The monks, most of whom were students, had been returning from Thailand after attending a four-day trip. The visit had reportedly been fully funded by an unidentified sponsor.

Officials detained the group upon arrival after uncovering the concealed packages during inspection.

Police later arrested a 23rd monk in a suburb of Colombo. He is believed to have been responsible for arranging the trip.

According to investigators, the organiser did not travel with the group. He had allegedly informed the monks that the parcels they were carrying were donations and that a van would be waiting to collect them.

Police said the suspects come from several parts of Sri Lanka, including Ampara, Horana, Boralesgamuwa, Wadduwa, Warakapola, Piliyandala, Homagama, Athuraliya, Ambalangoda, Kudispaththuwa, Madapatha and Balangoda.

Photos and videos recovered

The Police Narcotics Bureau reported that mobile phones belonging to some of the monks contained images and videos from the trip. The footage showed them enjoying their holiday while dressed in casual clothing.

Court appearance and ongoing investigation

All 22 monks were produced before a court on Sunday and have been remanded in custody for seven days to allow further questioning.

Police have indicated that there is a possibility that some of the monks may not have been aware of what they were transporting.

Investigators said the cannabis had been hidden alongside items such as school supplies and sweets, further masking its presence.

Authorities believe this incident marks the first known case of a group of monks being arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle drugs into Sri Lanka through an airport.

Agency inputs