Customs seizes drugs worth MVR 100m in six months

Maldives Customs Service says it seized 51 kilos in drugs – estimated to be worth MVR 100 million - over the last six months.

According to a statement released by the agency on Thursday, this includes 18.8 kilos of cocaine.

Between November 17, 2023 and May 17, 2024, Customs seized:

• 18,855 grams of cocaine
• 13,536 grams of synthetic cathinone
• 4,175 grams of methamphetamine
• 3,870 grams of mephedrone
• 1,152 grams of MDMA
• 910 grams of hash oil
• 451 grams of amphetamine
• 101.80 grams of cannabis
• 25 grams of cannabinoids

Maldivian authorities have increased efforts to curtail drug trafficking, including joint efforts by the police and Immigration to crack down on drugs trafficked via courier, which the country has seen an increase in.