Maldives Customs Service seized 3.12kgs of illicit substances from two travelers from Brazil, in separate drug smuggling cases.

The first man, a 23-year-old Latvian national traveled to Maldives by air from Brazil on November 3, was stopped for questioning at the airport based on suspicious behavior. A search of his luggage revealed 2.4666kg of unknown substances believed to be narcotics, and preliminary testing revealed it to be positive for cocaine.

Additionally, a 21-year-old Brazilian man who entered the Maldives on November 28 was also stopped and questioned at the airport for suspicious behavior. A search of his person revealed 66 hidden capsules believed to contain illicit substances weighing 654.4g. Preliminary testing of the capsules' contents revealed them to be positive for cocaine as well.

The total street price of the substances confiscated in these two cases is estimated to be MVR 10,921,400, and Customs have announced that the substances have now been handed over to the police.

Earlier this week, Customs revealed that they had confiscated 14g of amphetamine, with a street value of at least MVR 42,000, being sent into the country via post.