MVR 5.5 million worth of drugs seized by Customs in May

Maldives Customs Service has said that over MVR 5.5 million worth of drugs were seized in different operations over the course of May, 2017.

At a press conference held at the Customs Building, the information was given by the Chief Superintendent of Customs, Ismail Hamdhoon and Senior Superintendent, Hussain Shaaz.

Customs said that seven cases were recorded this May. Five people have been arrested in different operations which include three local men, a Sri Lankan and a Bangladeshi national.

In a Customs operation on 13 May, hash oil was discovered in hand bag of a Sri Lankan national.

On 19 May, two local men of the ages 32 and 38 were arrested, Customs said that 29 bullets of 174 grams of drugs were found hidden inside the body of the 32 year-old. And cannabis seeds and an open pack of tobacco, which tested positive for cannabis were found in the backpack of the 38 year-old.

Aside from that, on 24 May. 1.32 kilograms of cannabis were found in a trolley at the arrival hall of Velana International Airport. A 32 year-old Bangladeshi national was arrested in relation to the case.

The drugs confiscated this month were from the joint operations with the Maldives Police Service at Velana International Airport and with the Post Office where drugs were attempted to smuggled through the mail and from a vehicle inspection and from a cargo ship at Addu dock.

Drugs confiscated this year by the Customs include 1.48 kg of cannabis, 2.9 kg of heroin, 706 grams of hash oil and 355 tablet of ecstasy along with 206 grams of methamphetamine, 6 grams of ketamine and 162 grams of amphetamine.