Three kg drugs found in Indian man’s luggage; controlled delivery fails

Three kilograms of drugs were found in the luggage of an Indian national after authorities attempted a controlled delivery operation that failed to identify any additional suspects.

The suspect, Fasim Sahaf Odakunthanu, 22, was arrested on Saturday and remanded in custody for 30 days after being produced before court yesterday. The court order stated that the luggage contained 3.14 kg of drugs.

Customs said on Monday that they seized three kilograms of cannabis leaves, with an estimated street value of MVR 2.4 million.

While Customs did not disclose further details at the time, the date of arrest and quantity of drugs stated in the court order match those that were seized by Customs.

During the initial court hearing, the accused claimed that the luggage containing the drugs was not on his trolley. However, the court order issued yesterday stated that the drugs were found in luggage registered under his name.

Police told the court that a controlled delivery operation was carried out to determine whether another individual would arrive to collect the luggage. When no one came forward, authorities concluded the operation and opened the luggage in the presence of the accused, believing no other claimant would appear.

The suspect entered Maldives on a 90-day visa on arrival. He has now requested the appointment of a lawyer, and police told the court they are taking the necessary steps to facilitate legal representation.