Government under Fire for Deporting Cocaine Smuggler: Critics Decry Lack of Criminal Proceedings

The Maldives Customs Service has announced the discovery of 2.6 kg of cocaine in the luggage of a 23-year-old woman who recently arrived in the country. The drugs, valued at MVR 6.5 million (USD 421,000), were discovered after the woman's suspicious behavior prompted a search of her belongings.

Despite the serious nature of the crime, the woman has been deported without any charges being filed. This decision has drawn criticism from parliamentarians and the public, who argue that it sends the wrong message and may encourage others to attempt to smuggle drugs into the Maldives.

According to the authorities, the woman's actions constituted a serious crime that could have resulted in a life sentence. However, the controller of Maldivian immigration decided to deport her, rather than pursue criminal proceedings.

The case has sparked a heated debate about drug trafficking and border security in the Maldives. Some MPs are calling for stricter measures to be put in place to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.