A Maldivian detained for attempting to smuggle over two kilograms of drugs into the Maldives informed the court that he went to the airport to retrieve a suitcase at the request of a friend who is in prison.

On February 28, a Malaysian woman and two Maldivian men were apprehended for trying to smuggle drugs into the country by air. The individuals under suspicion are:

- Ahmed Rishmah, 21, Sunlight Residence, GA. Dhaandhoo

- Looth Ibrahim, 29, Furusathu, GDh. Vaadhoo

- Ranjini Jeevananthan, 38, from Malaysia

Ranjini was apprehended at Velana International Airport, whereas Looth and Rishmah were detained in Male’ City.

Looth appeared in court on Monday for a remand review, resulting in his detention being extended for an additional 30 days. As stated in the arrest warrant, he informed investigators that he went to the airport to pick up the luggage for a friend in jail.

The Malaysian woman was previously detained for 15 days. The arrest warrant indicates that she informed authorities the suitcase she was carrying was given to her by a friend.