MP Highlights Airport Garbage Disposal Costs and Drug Smuggling Links

Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for Dhiggaru, Ahmed Nazim, has raised concerns over the significant costs associated with the disposal of garbage at Velana International Airport, linking the issue to broader drug smuggling activities.

During the debate on the Drugs Bill, Nazim noted that while the methods of drug smuggling into the Maldives have evolved, the underlying drug problem remains unresolved. He highlighted that recent patterns of smuggling are tied to the handling of airport waste.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Since WAMCO ceased its waste disposal services at the airport on 15 October, the daily disposal payment has amounted to MVR 250,000 per day. This has resulted in a total cost of MVR 14 million over the 54 days since service operations ended, including GST. 

He also noted that WAMCO previously handled the waste at MVR 1,060 per tonne. However, WAMCO ended operations after MACL did not raise the price per tonne under its agreement, and the company was restricted from entering the airport’s high-security areas. WAMCO requested a rate increase to MVR 2,060 per tonne, which was denied.

Airport officials and senior government sources emphasised that allowing external waste disposal vehicles into restricted areas would pose security risks, as the high-security nature of airport operations cannot be compromised.

Nazim added that changes in smuggling patterns, including through airport garbage routes, further demonstrate the severity of the drug issue. He pointed out that the drug trade has utilised tactics such as smuggling drugs via suitcases arriving on international flights, with traffickers exploiting waste disposal routes.