Maldives Customs Seizes 3.48 kg of Narcotics in Two Separate Smuggling Attempts

Maldives Customs has intercepted 3.48 kilograms of narcotics in two separate smuggling attempts this month, dealing a significant blow to drug trafficking operations targeting the country. The seized contraband, with a combined street value estimated at over MVR 6 million, has been handed over to the Maldives Police Service.

The first seizure occurred on October 5, when a 33-year-old Brazilian woman was apprehended at Velana International Airport. Customs officers conducted a search based on suspicion that her luggage contained narcotics. Upon inspection, they discovered 2.44 kilograms of cocaine, hidden within the luggage packaging. The street value of the cocaine was reported to be in the millions.

The second incident took place on October 7, when a parcel containing 1.04 kilograms of narcotics was detected in a postal package. A 40-year-old Maldivian man was arrested when he arrived at Customs to collect the parcel. The drugs inside the package were also estimated to have a street value in the millions.

Both individuals involved in the smuggling attempts, along with the seized narcotics, have been handed over to the Maldives Police Service for further investigation. Authorities continue to crack down on drug trafficking as part of their efforts to maintain border security and prevent illegal substances from entering the country.