Authorities seize over MVR 1.7 million worth of drugs attempted to be smuggled into the Maldives by air
Maldives Customs Service has revealed that more than two kilograms of hashish oil seized at Velana International Airport on the first of this month has an estimated street value of MVR 1.7 million. While authorities have yet to disclose the origin of the shipment or the identities of those involved, the seizure follows the President’s recent ratification of a legal amendment introducing the death penalty for major drug trafficking offenses. This legislative change is expected to pave the way for more stringent sentencing in high-level narcotics cases.
Narcotics previously seized by Customs at Velana International Airport. | Customs | Customs
Maldives Customs Service has seized narcotics with an estimated street value of over MVR 1.7 million attempted to be smuggled into the country by air.
Customs announced on Monday that more than two kilograms of narcotics were seized at Velana International Airport (VIA) during an attempt to smuggle the substances into the Maldives by air.
Customs authorities have confirmed that 2,174 grams of hashish oil were seized on the first of this month.
The street value of the seized items is estimated to exceed 1.7 million Rufiyaa.
Photos released by Customs show the items concealed within paper inside a rubber bag, with the entire package wrapped in plastic on the outside.
Neither Maldives Customs Service nor the Police have yet disclosed the identity of the party responsible for importing these items. Furthermore, authorities have not revealed the country of origin from which the shipment was brought into the Maldives.
Maldives Customs Service frequently seizes large quantities of narcotics smuggled into the country via air and sea routes. Recent operations have led to the interception of 2.2 kilograms of heroin attempted to be smuggled by air, as well as over 3 kilograms of cannabis. Additionally, authorities recently seized a shipment of hashish oil valued at 29 million Rufiyaa that was being trafficked into the Maldives by sea.
Furthermore, authorities also seize illicitly imported vapes and cigarettes.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified an amendment to the Drugs Act, introducing the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling drugs into the Maldives. Under the new legislation, the capital punishment can be imposed for trafficking more than 350 grams of cannabis, 250 grams of diamorphine (heroin), or 100 grams of any other controlled substance into the country.
Despite the amendments to the Drug Act allowing for the death penalty for drug traffickers, many continue to question whether capital punishment can actually be implemented in the Maldives.
