Authorities Arrest 45-Year-Old in Connection with MVR 3.3 Million Drug Seizure

The Maldives Customs Service has announced the arrest of a 45-year-old individual suspected of smuggling illicit drugs valued at MVR 3.3 million into the country.

According to Customs, the suspect was detained in connection with a consignment that arrived from Bangkok last Thursday, which was flagged for inspection due to suspicious contents. Following an examination, officials uncovered a significant quantity of narcotics within the shipment.

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Preliminary testing revealed the presence of two illegal substances, identified as cathinone and cannabis. The seized drugs weighed a combined 5.9 kilograms, comprising 5.5 kilograms of cannabis and 416 grams of cathinone, with an estimated street value of MVR 3,348,000.

Maldives Customs Service has transferred the suspect to the authorities for further investigation. Officials have noted a recent uptick in drug smuggling cases via both sea and air routes, highlighting an ongoing challenge for law enforcement in the Maldives.

The investigation into the origins of the seized consignment and any potential links to broader smuggling operations is underway, according to Customs.