Suspect arrested at VIA after THC‑positive packets found in luggage

An Indian man has been arrested in Maldives after packets of drugs were found hidden inside a tennis shoe pocket.

According to a remand order issued by the Criminal Court on Sunday, the 30‑year‑old Indian national was taken into custody at Velana International Airport. The order states that two packets of suspected narcotics were recovered from a shoe inside a bag taken from the man’s luggage. The items later tested positive for THC.

Prosecutors requested that the suspect be granted access to legal counsel, and he has been remanded in custody for five days.

The arrest comes two weeks after police detained three individuals with 21 kilograms of drugs in a major operation, a group that included two Bangladeshi nationals. They are accused of importing, possessing, using and trafficking narcotics. The two Bangladeshis were remanded for 15 days.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has since issued a “High‑Priority Advisory” warning Indian citizens about the rise in foreign drug‑smuggling cases in Maldives. The advisory stressed that ignorance of local law is not a defence and urged travellers to strictly comply with Maldivian regulations. Passengers were also cautioned against handling items given by strangers at airports and ports.

Arrests of Indian nationals with drugs have increased in recent months. In March alone, five Indians were arrested in three separate cases, including an attempt to smuggle 6.7 kg of hashish oil. Four more Indians were arrested with drugs at Velana Airport earlier this month.

The Indian High Commission in Maldives has also urged travellers to fully adhere to Maldivian laws.