Detention extended for 4 suspects in 24 kg drug smuggling case

Criminal Court has extended the detention period of 4 suspects arrested for the attempted smuggle of 24 kilograms of heroin to the Maldives onboard an Iranian vessel in March this year.

Criminal Court granted the 15-day extension for three Maldivians and a Bangladeshi man on Friday, 4 July. Detention of the remaining local was extended on 1 July.

In the biggest seizure of drugs to date, Maldivian Police arrested fourteen foreigners, consisting of three Bangladeshis and eleven Pakistanis, along with four Maldivians, for smuggling 24 kilograms of heroin into the country on 10 and 11 March this year.

Nine Pakistanis have been released. Custody of the remaining 2 Pakistanis will expire on 10 July.

The Iranian vessel was brought under custody after the exchange of drugs took place about 30 nautical miles off Alifu Alifu Mathiveri, to the west of the capital Male’.

Police earlier said that 24 kgs of heroin would have an estimated street value of MVR 36 million in the Maldives, and if sold with added powder, the street value could reach a staggering MVR 100 million.