22 Buddhist Monks Arrested in Sri Lanka with 240 Pounds of Cannabis

In the bustling Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, a group of twenty-two Buddhist monks in traditional saffron robes appeared to be just another group of pilgrims returning from a spiritual retreat in Thailand. But as they approached customs, a routine inspection turned into one of the most shocking drug busts in the country’s history.Sri Lankan authorities discovered over 240 pounds of high-grade cannabis—specifically a potent strain known as "Kush"—hidden within the group’s luggage. The haul, valued at approximately 3.5 million dollars, was meticulously concealed. Investigators found the drugs stashed behind false walls in suitcases that were also packed with innocent items like school supplies and sweets.Here is where the story takes a darker turn. Most of the arrested were young monks, some still in their 20s. Police investigations suggest these men may have been pawns in a much larger game. The entire four-day trip to Bangkok was reportedly financed by an unnamed businessman.Read the full story at The New York Times.