Customs seizes drugs worth MVR 2.9 million smuggled by a passenger
6 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 21:21Customs authorities at Velana International Airport have apprehended a foreign national attempting to smuggle 1.1 kilograms of cocaine into the Maldives concealed inside their body. A total of 66 rubber bullets were recovered from the suspect, with an estimated street value of MVR 2.9 million, and the individual has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
A photograph taken from the exterior of the Customs Building. | RaajjeMV
Maldives Customs Service has apprehended a foreign national who attempted to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics into the country concealed inside their body.
According to Maldives Customs Service, the individual was apprehended at Velana International Airport (VIA). Authorities intercepted the suspect after his suspicious behavior prompted further questioning and a subsequent search, which confirmed that he had swallowed a large number of drug-filled "bullets." Forensic analysis of the recovered items confirmed that the substance tested positive for cocaine.
A total of 66 bullets were recovered from the individual's body, weighing 1,180 grams. The street value of the seized items is estimated to be approximately 2.9 million Rufiyaa.
The suspect apprehended in this case, along with the seized narcotics, has been handed over to the police for further investigation. Neither Maldives Customs Service nor the police have yet disclosed further details regarding the individual. Customs confirmed that the incident took place on July 19.
Despite Customs' assertions that border security measures are being strictly maintained to prevent narcotics from entering the Maldives, the number of individuals being arrested in connection with drug-related offenses continues to rise.
