Two Maldivians arrested in Thailand with large quantity of drugs

Two Maldivian men have been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand, after authorities discovered crystal meth concealed inside stainless steel water bottles and cannabis buds hidden within children's clothing.

According to a report by the Thai news outlet The Thaiger, the two individuals arrested in connection with this case have been identified as 46-year-old Ali Rasheed and 34-year-old Mohamed Wisam. The report further stated that the suspects were apprehended after investigative authorities monitored and inspected several large parcels they had delivered to a cargo service provider in Bangkok's Pratunam district.

Thai police stated that the investigation into this case was launched on October 5, following a tip-off regarding a foreign national who had brought several heavily taped and sealed boxes intended for shipment to the Maldives. Despite being tightly secured, the parcels reportedly emitted a strong odor. Suspecting the boxes might contain illegal substances, concerned staff instructed the individual to take the items back before subsequently reporting the matter to the police.

Two Maldivians have been arrested in Bangkok in possession of a large quantity of narcotics. | Thai Police

Following subsequent efforts by investigative authorities, the items were discovered hidden inside a dormitory located in the Ratchathewi District. Reports indicate that the boxes were likely kept there to be dispatched to another destination via a different delivery company.

Upon inspection of the boxes, authorities discovered a total of 2.37 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Additionally, police seized 10 kilograms of cannabis buds, which had been wrapped in children's clothing and tightly sealed with adhesive tape. The narcotics were concealed among items such as children's apparel and toy cars. The shipment had been deliberately packaged to appear as ordinary consumer goods to avoid detection.

In connection with this case, police have seized five large boxes containing narcotics and taken the two suspects into custody at a Thai police station.

The two individuals are accused of the possession and trafficking of crystal methamphetamine, a Schedule I controlled substance, with intent to distribute. However, both defendants have denied the charges.

The two individuals told the police that they were unaware the boxes contained narcotics or any prohibited items, claiming they were simply delivering the parcels on behalf of a friend.

According to their statements, the initial shipping company they approached refused to accept the boxes due to a strong odor and instructed them to take the items back. Consequently, they claimed the parcels were kept at their residence until the time of their arrest.

Thai police are currently investigating whether the two individuals are linked to an international drug trafficking network. Authorities are also working to identify and locate additional foreign nationals suspected of involvement in this narcotics case.