Two Nepalis Arrested at VIA for Attempting to Smuggle Over 1kg of Drugs into Maldives

Two Nepalese nationals, arrested at Velana International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle drugs into the Maldives concealed in their bodies, have told the Criminal Court that they were asked by a Pakistani national living in Benin to bring the narcotics to the Maldives. The suspects, identified as 47-year-old Nikka Tamang and 40-year-old Igrani Gale, both from Nepal, were taken into custody on the 25th of last month, according to Customs. Customs stated that the drugs were discovered during further screening after their behavior raised suspicions. They were subsequently taken to IGMH for scanning upon suspicion of having foreign bodies inside them. Customs reported that a total of 142 bullets (1183.8 grams) of drug substances were found on their bodies. The seized drugs include 51.6 grams of morphine, 424 grams of cocaine, and 708.2 grams of heroin. When the two individuals were presented before the Criminal Court yesterday to extend their detention, a translator could not be produced. Consequently, a five-day period was granted for this purpose, and their detention has now been extended by five days. The police are currently investigating this case.