Two young men from India were apprehended at Velana International Airport in Male’ on Friday with drugs valued at more than MVR 5.27 million.

On Sunday, Maldives Customs reported that they confiscated more than 11 kilograms of drugs from the VIA on Friday; this included over 5.37 kilograms of cannabis leaf and more than 6.59 kilograms of hashish oil.

The total street value of the two shipments is estimated to exceed MVR 9.6 million, with the hashish oil shipment valued at MVR 5,272,000 on its own.

In a statement released on Monday, the police reported that Customs transferred two Indian nationals, who were later arrested on charges of smuggling 6.59 kilos of hashish oil.

They were recognized as:

- Yuthish Raj Rajan, 27 years old

- Shanmugam Eshvarumuriti, 24

Both were brought to the Criminal Court on Saturday for their remand hearing.

During the hearing, the investigating officer informed the Sun that the substances were discovered in two bags they brought with them.

Rajan stated he came to the Maldives as a visitor and did not know the bag held narcotics.

He mentioned that Shanmugam was his friend and had traveled with him to the Maldives at his invitation – a detail that Shanmugam confirmed in court, stating that he is unaware of any drug-related matters.

Rajan and Shanmugam both requested a lawyer.

The court ordered both to be held in police custody for 15 days, yet allowed them to request a review of their remand once they engage a lawyer.

The police are still investigating the drug smuggling case.