Police in Sri Lanka arrested 22 Buddhist monks-in-training at Colombo airport after discovering 110kg of cannabis in their possession, according to a report by France 24.
The group was intercepted by authorities during a security check at the airport. The scale of the narcotics seizure has drawn significant attention to the incident.
Global press highlights
The arrest of the monks was part of a broader news cycle covering international developments. France 24 noted that the incident occurred alongside reports of significant internet crackdowns in Russia.
In Russia, the New York Times reported that internet restrictions are fueling public dissent. The newspaper stated that while security services previously suppressed opposition, the censorship of viral apps has led many Russians to find their voice.
Independent Russian outlet Novaya Gazeta reported a 14-fold surge in VPN downloads. In March alone, more than 9 million VPNs were downloaded within the country as citizens attempt to bypass state-imposed digital barriers.
In France, authorities have launched an investigation into the resurgence of the 'Coco' website. The site was previously linked to the mass rape of Gisèle Pelicot and was shut down in June 2024.
France's commissioner for children criticized the website's reappearance under a new name. The official called the resurgence a "slap in the face to the promise of protection."
