The single gold bar seized this week at the Velana International Airport had been imported from Dubai, the Maldives Customs Service has said.

The 1-kilogram bar, which appears to be pressed although the mint is unclear, was found in a box of fish packed for export to Sri Lanka.

The Customs said that the item was discovered through security scans and that such commodities need to be cleared first.

The Customs and officers of the police are investigating the matter.