Malaysian woman arrested with 2kg of drugs says package was given by a friend

A Malaysian woman arrested for attempting to smuggle more than two kilograms of drugs into Maldives has told the court that the package was given to her by a friend, and that she travelled to Maldives at this friend’s expense.

The woman, identified as Ranjini Jeevananthan, 38, was arrested at Velana International Airport on February 28. Two Maldivian men were also arrested in connection with the case.

The suspects are:  

• Ahmed Rishmah, 21, Sunlight Villa, GA. Dhaandhoo  

• Looth Ibrahim, 29, Furusathu, GDh. Vaadhoo  

• Ranjini Jeevananthan, 38, Malaysia  

According to the remand hearing held on Sunday, Ranjini told the court that the package she carried was handed to her by a friend and was meant to be delivered to a man in Male'. The court record also noted that she travelled to Maldives for only three days.

Ranjini was initially remanded for 15 days and was on Sunday remanded for an additional 20 days. The two Maldivian suspects were arrested separately following her detention.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details of the investigation.