Two MACL Staff Implicated in Drug Smuggling

Two individuals employed by Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) have been implicated in an alleged drug smuggling operation, according to Maldives Police Service (MPS)

A police spokesperson told media that four individuals, including two MACL employees, a Pakistani national and another individual tasked with collecting the luggage, were apprehended on 15th March for their alleged involvement in attempting to illicitly transport a suitcase containing heroin and methamphetamine. The drugs had a combined weight of approximately 4.5 kilograms.

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All four were held in remand after their arrest, but police said  the senior-most MACL staff member, suspected of orchestrating the operation, was released by the criminal court after being taken to extend their remand on Saturday. The release was conditional as police had some evidence against the staff, the spokesperson said.

An ongoing and thorough investigation is being carried out by Police, who suspect the potential involvement of additional MACL staff members. As a result, Police said they are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

The government has ramped up efforts to control the flow of drugs in recent days with multiple operations within the past week. 

Maldives Customs Service announced the interception of 3.3kg of party drugs being smuggled in through courier services last Tuesday.

Furthermore, collaborative efforts between the Police and Customs led to the execution of several intelligence-driven counter narcotics operations last week, resulting in the seizure of 16.69kg of drugs with a total street value of MVR 21.6 million.