Two Nepalese nationals arrested for smuggling 1.5kg drugs

Sep 28, 2026, 12:26 PM
September 28, 2026: Two Nepalese nationals arrested in drug smuggling case

September 28, 2026: Two Nepalese nationals arrested in drug smuggling case

Two Nepalese nationals have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling narcotics into the Maldives.

The suspects have been identified as 47-year-old Nikka Tamang and 40-year-old Eethuranee Gale. They were apprehended after the Maldives Customs Service alerted the Drug Enforcement Department, suspecting the individuals were concealing drugs on their persons upon their arrival in the country.

According to the police, a search of the suspects led to the recovery of 142 "bullets" (drug pellets) weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms. The two individuals arrived in the Maldives on September 25.

The court has remanded the suspects in custody for 30 days. No further arrests have been made in connection with the case so far.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Shaheem meets U.S. Chargé d'Affaires following visa denial

Maldivian Islamic Minister Mohamed Shaheem met with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Dave Williams to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting is significant as it follows an incident where Shaheem was denied a U.S. entry visa. He expressed a desire for continued constructive dialogue between the two nations.

Two Nepalese nationals caught smuggling drugs

Maldives Customs arrested two Nepalese nationals for smuggling over 1.1 kg of heroin, cocaine, and morphine hidden in 142 ingested pellets. The suspects, a man and a woman, could face the death penalty under local drug laws. This incident follows a recent surge in drug trafficking attempts intercepted by Maldivian authorities.

National movement launched to oppose Rasmale' deal

The "Maldivian Land for Maldivians" movement has launched to oppose the government's plan to grant reclaimed Rasmalé land to a foreign firm. Led by former Minister Imran Abdulla, the group claims the deal undermines sovereignty and violates campaign promises. They vow to protest until the land allocation to Eagle Hills is revoked.

Reclamation begins on Rasmalé land for Eagle Hills project

Land reclamation has begun in Rasmalé for a waterfront and marina project by UAE’s Eagle Hills. The dredger "Leiv Eiriksson" is currently working on Site D to expedite the development. The Maldivian government has instructed agencies to complete the remaining reclamation of the Fushidhiggaru lagoon within the next two months.

MS Finance license revoked over regulatory violations

The Maldives Monetary Authority revoked MS Finance’s money-changing license and issued a fine for regulatory violations. The firm is allegedly linked to a major money laundering case involving the Football Association of Maldives. This action is part of a broader government crackdown on the country's illegal foreign exchange market.

MVR 58 billion needed to complete Housing Ministry projects

Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib stated that MVR 58 billion is needed to finish ongoing ministry projects. While 1,273 projects are underway, the specific funding allocated for individual projects in the current budget remains unclear. The Finance Ministry assured that arrangements are in place to ensure timely payments for these works.

No evidence of corruption in allegations that Muizzu pays MPs

The Maldives' Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has closed its investigation into claims that President Mohamed Muizzu pays MVR 50,000 monthly to ruling party lawmakers. The commission found no evidence of criminal corruption or illegal acts. Consequently, the ACC decided not to proceed with a full investigation into the anonymous allegations.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox