Malaysians arrested in Maldives for attempting to smuggle RM3.7 Million worth of cannabis

KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysians have been apprehended for attempting to smuggle drugs valued at approximately RM3.7 million into the Maldives.

According to Maldives police, customs officers discovered 15kg of cannabis in the luggage of a 44-year-old Malaysian arriving at Velana International Airport on Emirates flight EK656 from Dubai on Saturday morning. 

Superintendent Mohamed Afzal stated that the seized cannabis is estimated to be worth 12.3 million Maldivian rufiyaa (RM3.7 million), with initial tests confirming the substance as cannabis.

Following the discovery, a controlled delivery operation was carried out by the Drug Enforcement team, leading to the arrest of a second suspect, a 41-year-old Malaysian male, on the night of July 28. 

The two suspects have been detained for five days while investigations continue. Chief Inspector Ahmed Waheed indicated that international law enforcement partners are being consulted to gather further intelligence. 

The operation has unveiled potential links to an international drug trafficking network involving individuals from four different countries. This seizure is the largest cannabis bust in the Maldives this year. – Bernama