The lawyer of an Indian national accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into the Maldives told the Criminal Court that his client had won a trip to the Maldives through a lottery and had been told that the items he brought were provided to him before the trip, were samples of goods intended for sale in the country.

The claim was made during a hearing for Dhanush Kandan Bhopal, one of five people arrested at Velana International Airport in March in connection with a drug smuggling cases.

According to the defence, Bhopal was deceived into travelling to the Maldives and was unaware that the items he was carrying allegedly contained illegal drugs.

His lawyer told the court that Bhopal, a university student, had been informed that he had won a trip to the Maldives through a lucky draw. The items he carried were presented to him as product samples intended for sale in the Maldives, the lawyer said.

The defence further argued that Bhopal had cooperated with investigators by providing details of the individuals who arranged his trip and supplied the items.

The court subsequently extended Bhopal's remand by a further 45 days.

According to the defence, the case forms part of a broader pattern in which individuals are allegedly deceived and used as drug couriers without their knowledge.

The lawyer said several similar cases are currently under investigation. Court documents noted that while investigators have identified four cases with comparable characteristics, mobile phone forensic evidence suggests the circumstances of each case differ.

Police previously announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with the incidents, including four Indian nationals and one Maldivian. More than six kilograms of drugs were recovered from three of the suspects.

Among those arrested were 21-year-old Thirivil Manimaran and 28-year-old Ali Irufan of Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo. Authorities allege the pair were involved in importing and distributing drugs in the Maldives. Irufan remains in custody pending trial.

In a separate case, 25-year-old Jainab Wajid Ali and 21-year-old Mohamad Nawaz Dayatar were also arrested.

The cases have drawn attention from Indian authorities. In April, India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) expressed concern over the increasing number of Indian nationals being linked to drug smuggling operations involving Maldives.

The agency urged travellers to avoid carrying items provided by strangers and advised people to remain vigilant about their luggage when travelling through airports, seaports and transit hubs.