Two Maldivians carrying large quantity of medicines held at Cochin airport

Two Maldivians attempting to carry a large quantity of medicine to Maldives has been held at the Cochin airport in India.

As reported in some Indian newspapers, the medicine was found in the luggage of two Maldivians who had gone to the Cochin International Airport to travel to the Maldives, the country's Customs has said.

They said that while permits are needed to export such a high quantity of medicines, the two did not possess any such documentation.

As a result, the medicines were confiscated, and the two sent to Maldives on their booked flight.

The reports also said that it is unclear what the Maldivians' purpose was in carrying such a high quantity of medicines.

The medicines are now being tested for narcotics, and the investigation is also looking into whether the incident was connected with a network of smugglers who illegally export medicines, the reports cited Customs as saying.

This incident has occurred at a time when there is difficulty in obtaining certain medications in Maldives while the government works on improving the Aasandha system.

The government claims that private pharmacies are intentionally withholding medications, citing the inability to exploit the Aasandha system as the reason behind the ongoing shortage.

To resolve this, the administration is now bringing in basic medications through STO.