994g drugs, USD 1,751 found inside bag of couple arrested for drug smuggling
They were both remanded for 15 days
The couple arrived at Velana International Airport (VIA) from abroad
Authorities recovered 990 grams of narcotics and USD 1,751 inside the luggage of the couple that was arrested over allegations of drug smuggling.
This was revealed by the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
MPS revealed this during the hearing to extend the remand of the suspects, held at the Criminal Court.
Arrested in connection with the case were a 27-year-old Maldivian man and a 20-year-old woman.
They are accused of smuggling drugs into the Maldives, peddling and trafficking narcotics.
The Criminal Court remanded the two for a period of 15 days earlier in January. Their remand period expired on January 18 and they were presented to the court for a remand extension on Thursday.
Their remand was extended for a period of 15 days.
The court order states that sufficient evidence has been submitted to prove the accusations against the two.
The court order also revealed that a large quantity of drugs of various kinds were discovered inside a luggage box they brought in when they arrived in the Maldives via air.
The two suspects revealed that the luggage was not theirs and that they had brought it for someone else.
However, the court order noted that their possessions including clothes were found inside the luggage.
Based on the provisional results of urine samples of the suspects analyzed by authorities, they tested positive for COC, THC and Benzo.
The Criminal Court also alleged that others were involved in the case.
During Thursday’s hearing, the woman is to have confessed that she was not aware of the presence of drugs in her husband’s luggage.
However, it has been revealed that USD 1,751 was found inside the woman’s handbag.
The woman sought relief for her remand, at the hearing.
The 994g drugs found inside the luggage tested positive for methamphetamine resimate.
The drugs were stuffed inside six packets.
