Maldives Customs Service has apprehended two Nepalese passengers who attempted to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics into the country by ingesting them.
According to Customs, the individuals were intercepted on September 25. The authorities released this information more than three weeks after the incident occurred.
Customs officials reported that a total of 142 drug-filled pellets were recovered from the bodies of the two suspects. The haul included three types of narcotics: 51.6 grams of morphine, 424 grams of cocaine, and 708.2 grams of heroin.
The total weight of the seized substances amounted to 1,183.8 grams, exceeding one kilogram. Under amendments to the Maldives' drug laws, the possession of such a significant quantity is a capital offence punishable by death.
While official authorities have not formally released the identities of the suspects, it is understood that the individuals arrested are a 40-year-old Nepalese woman and a 47-year-old Nepalese man.
This incident follows similar cases since July this year, including the arrests of a Jamaican national and a Maldivian in a separate smuggling attempt. Additionally, Indian passengers were recently intercepted at Gan International Airport in Addu City while attempting to smuggle 5.5 kilograms of cannabis.
