COLOMBO – Sri Lanka Police have arrested the main suspect alleged to have facilitated the overseas travel of the group of 22 individuals appearing to be monks, who were apprehended with a large stock of narcotics.
The main suspect has also been identified as a monk.
The arrest was made in Meegahawatta, Gampaha.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police confirmed that the 22 individuals who appeared to be monks, arrested with Kush and Hashish, will be detained for seven days under detention orders for further questioning.
The suspects are between 19 and 28 years of age.
Police stated that they are residents of Ampara, Horana, Boralesgamuwa, Wadduwa, Warakapola, Piliyandala, Homagama, Athuraliya, Ambalangoda, Udispaththuwa, Madapatha, and Balangoda.
The group was initially arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau.
They were taken into custody upon arrival from Thailand, based on intelligence information received.
Investigations have revealed that three of the suspects had previously travelled to Bangkok.
Police uncovered more than 120 kilograms of Kush and Hashish, each suspect carrying over 5 kilograms concealed in their luggage.
The narcotics, valued at over Rs. 1.1 billion, had been hidden inside false compartments in suitcases, alongside school supplies and various food items.
Further investigations into the incident are underway. – newsfirst
