Buddhist Monks May Have Acted as Drug Mules

Twenty-two monks in saffron robes were arrested at Sri Lanka's main airport Sunday after officials say they found a huge stash of potent cannabis hidden in their luggage. Customs authorities allege the Buddhist monks returning from a four-day trip to Bangkok were collectively carrying about 242 pounds of kush, valued at $3.5 million, concealed behind false panels in their bags; each is accused of transporting roughly 5 kilos, per CBS News. Customs officials say it's the largest kush seizure ever made at the airport, which has seen a run of major narcotics busts, including a British woman arrested last year with 101 pounds of the same drug; she claimed the drugs were planted by someone else.

The mostly young trainee monks, from temples around Sri Lanka, had reportedly traveled on an all-expenses-paid trip funded by a businessman. Local reports indicate three monks had recruited the rest, who believed they were carrying educational materials and treats for schoolchildren, per AFP. The alleged orchestrator, possibly linked to other monk trips, has reportedly been arrested in Sri Lanka's Gampaha District. Meanwhile, all 22 monks were handed over to police and later appeared before a magistrate, who ordered that they be held for at least a week, pending further investigation.