Customs seize drugs concealed in chocolate syrup bottles

Customs has seized more than 40 kg of drugs concealed in chocolate syrup bottles that were being smuggled into the Maldives by sea.

The agency said the bottles were scanned and tested positive for hashish oil. The consignment, packed in 10 boxes, is estimated to have a street value of more than MVR 30 million, a customs official told PSM.

State media also broadcast footage on Thursday evening showing customs officers testing the seized items.

Police have yet to release details of any arrests or identify those involved in the smuggling attempt.

The seizure comes amid an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking. Police said at a recent media briefing that more than 190 people have been arrested under Operation Alimagu so far, with 34 cases forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution. A further 71 cases remain under investigation.

Police also said Maldivians based in several countries in the region, including Malaysia and Thailand, have been involved in smuggling drugs into the Maldives and are being pursued through Interpol.

Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Naif told the Drug Enforcement Department press conference that three Maldivians have been identified as key smugglers, bringing drugs into the country via air and sea cargo concealed inside electronic and household appliances such as ovens and cooking pots.

He said those identified include individuals with serious criminal records.