Sri Lanka, April 27 -- Authorities have uncovered that a businessman is the alleged mastermind behind a major drug trafficking operation involving 22 monks who were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

The suspects were taken into custody on April 25 upon arrival from Thailand, carrying approximately 112 kilograms of narcotics, including "Kush" cannabis and "Hash." The total value of the drugs is estimated to exceed Rs. 1.1 billion.

This is believed to be the first instance of monks being apprehended at the airport with such a large quantity of illegal substances.

Investigations revealed that the monks had traveled abroad without obtaining the written approval from the Chief Prelates. Buddhist clergy have since urg...