The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) has been permitted to detain and interrogate the 22 individuals in monastic saffron robes, who were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake with a massive stash of drugs.
After being produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday (April 26), Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera granted the PNB permission to detain and interrogate the suspects until May 02.
Investigations have revealed that the suspects had concealed more than 110 kg of “Kush” and “Hashish” in specially modified false compartments in their luggage, hidden among school equipment and assorted confectionery items.
It is reported that each suspect had carried over 05 kg of narcotics.
Officials state that this seizure marks the largest quantity of narcotics ever detected at the BIA.
It is also the first recorded instance of a group of individuals in saffron robes being arrested at the airport in connection with drug trafficking.
Further investigations have revealed that the suspects had departed Sri Lanka for Thailand on April 22 using airline tickets provided by a sponsor.
Police have also recovered photographs and video footage from their mobile phones showing them dressed in civilian attire and engaging in various activities while in Thailand.
The suspects, who are residents of different parts of the island, are reportedly individuals pursuing higher education at various institutions.
Meanwhile, the PNB has also arrested a monk said to be the chief suspect, and is believed to have organized the foreign travel in coordination with the group.
📌 Related News:
https://srilankamirror.com/news/mahanayake-theros-to-get-tough-on-saffron-robed-drug-traffickers/
