Goods clearer denies knowledge of drugs in syrup bottles

The individual arrested for attempting to clear or receive goods containing drugs concealed in chocolate syrup bottles has claimed in court that he was unaware of the illicit contents. 

The case involves two men, Mohamed Adil (57) of Golden House, GDh. Thinadhoo, and Ahmed Ali (47) of Afiya, HA. Hoarafushi. Ahmed Ali was identified via an email from the importing company, Raas Maldives, which notified Customs Sea Cargo Examination that he would be the person arriving to clear the shipment.

During a hearing yesterday at the Criminal Court, following the expiration of his initial 10-day remand, Ahmed Ali’s detention was extended for an additional 15 days.

He defended himself by stating that he went to collect the boxes solely in his capacity as a professional goods-clearance agent and had no knowledge that the bottles contained drugs.

Key details of the investigation include:

Under Maldivian law, importing more than 350 grams of cannabis-based substances can carry the death penalty, making this one of the most significant drug seizures of the year.