A Maldivian man and two Bangladeshi nationals have been remanded in custody for 30 days in connection with the alleged smuggling of more than 22kg of cannabis concealed inside shoes transported on a Singapore Airlines flight.

Criminal Court ordered the remand of MD Joshimuddin, 43, and Mamun Dali, 32, after they were arrested while attempting to collect four pieces of luggage that arrived in the Maldives on a Singapore Airlines flight on 4 May.

Authorities allege the luggage contained cannabis and cannabis buds hidden inside shoes.

A third suspect, 27-year-old Abdullah Rifau of Hiyaavahi, Laamu Kalaidhoo, was arrested in connection with the shipment, which was imported under the name "Plot 11 Investment". He was presented before the Criminal Court on Tuesday, where the court also ordered his remand for 30 days.

According to court documents, the four pieces of luggage contained 21.042kg of cannabis buds and 918.76 grams of cannabis packed in rubber packets.

During the remand hearing, Joshimuddin told the court that he had been near Zikura Mosque when Rifau asked him to collect some items on his behalf. He denied any involvement in importing the shipment.

Mamun similarly told the court that he had agreed to collect the luggage after being asked to carry out a task while he was in the same area.

Despite the claims, Criminal Court ruled that sufficient evidence existed to justify remanding all three suspects in custody for 30 days while the investigation continues.