Key Suspect in Drug Smuggling Monk Ring Flees to India

COLOMBO (News 1st); The principal suspect accused of orchestrating a large‑scale drug trafficking operation using individuals clad in religious robes (monks) has fled to India, police revealed.

The development emerged during investigations carried out so far in connection with the case.

Police said steps are now being taken to issue international red notices through Interpol to facilitate the arrest of the fugitive suspect.

The breakthrough follows the arrest of 22 robe‑clad individuals at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on the 26th of last month.

They were taken into custody by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau while attempting to smuggle a stock exceeding 110 kilograms of drugs known as Kush and Hash, which had been carefully concealed inside luggage arriving from Thailand.

Further investigations conducted after their arrest led to the apprehension of another robe‑clad individual on the same day at a temple in the Migahawatta area of Gampaha.

In addition, two other individuals linked to the smuggling operation have also been arrested.

Police said that a total of 25 suspects, including the robe‑clad individuals, are currently being held in remand custody as investigations continue.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the main suspect who fled the country, as the probe into the international drug trafficking network intensifies.