Maldives Customs have arrested two foreign passengers at Velana International Airport after discovering more than one kilogram of controlled substances concealed on their persons.
The suspects, both from Nepal, arrived on a flight from Thailand on 25 September. Officers intercepted them after becoming suspicious and conducted a detailed search. The seized quantities were 51.6 grams of morphine, 424 grams of cocaine and 708.2 grams of heroin, totalling 1,183.8 grams.
Customs stated that the passengers had attempted to bring the drugs into the country. If convicted, they face substantial fines and long prison sentences under Maldivian law.
The interception forms part of ongoing efforts by Customs to detect and prevent the smuggling of narcotics through the main international gateway. Similar operations have previously resulted in the seizure of multi-kilogram consignments.
Authorities have not released the names of the two individuals. Further investigation is continuing.