News Desk
Two Indian women have been arrested at Velana International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle hashish oil into the Maldives.
Customs officers detained Jennifer Paul, 34, and Ulfat Rasul, 23, during an operation on Wednesday. Officers said they recovered 2.174 kg of hashish oil from the pair. The seized items carry an estimated street value of more than MVR 1.7 million, according to Customs.
Both women were taken before court and remanded for 15 days.
Customs said the case has been handed over to police for further investigation. The agency noted that it is working with relevant authorities to curb drug trafficking through Maldivian entry points, which remains a persistent challenge.
Officials said special operations are ongoing to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items, including narcotics and vaping devices. The import of vaping devices and their components was banned from 15 November, while the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising and distribution of such products became illegal from 15 December.
Customs said surveillance at airports and seaports will remain heightened as part of broader efforts to disrupt smuggling networks targeting the Maldives.
