🚨 Record Rs. 1.1 Bn Drug Bust at BIA: 22 Arrested 🚨

Sri Lankan authorities have executed an unprecedented narcotics seizure at Bandaranaike International Airport, intercepting a haul valued at over Rs. 1.1 billion. • Operation Details: The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) arrested 22 men disguised as Buddhist monks arriving from Bangkok via Thai AirAsia flight FD140. Intelligence indicates the group left Sri Lanka on April 22 with sponsored tickets. • Seizure Breakdown: • Volume: Over 110 kg of suspected kush and hashish. • Method: Narcotics were concealed in false-bottom suitcases filled with school supplies and sweets. • Scale: Each suspect was allegedly carrying approximately 5 kg of illicit substances. • Investigation Context: This marks the first reported instance of a large-scale smuggling attempt involving individuals disguised as clergy at BIA. Evidence from mobile phones showed the suspects in civilian attire while abroad. • Legal Status: The suspects, identified as young men engaged in higher education, are being produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. Investigations into the external sponsors and the wider network are ongoing.