A Pakistani national accused of masterminding smuggling of more than 36 kilograms of drugs into the Maldives told a court that the company under whose name the shipment was imported was unaware of the operation.

Zafar Ahmed, 51, was arrested about four months after the drugs were seized from a cargo shipment that arrived in the Maldives in February. At a hearing held yesterday, the Criminal Court ordered that he remain in custody pending trial.

In the court order, Judge Ali Nadheem said there was sufficient evidence to support allegations that Zafar was involved in smuggling drugs into the country.

According to the court order, the drugs were concealed inside a Blue Star-brand water dispenser imported as part of a cargo shipment.

The shipment was imported under the name of Hot and Cold LLP and was sent by Quartz International, an Indian company.

The order states that shareholders of Hot and Cold LLP told investigators they had no knowledge of the shipment. After being contacted regarding the goods, they met with Zafar to clarify the matter and suggested the items may have been imported under the company's name without their knowledge.

Prosecution said that the goods were purchased by Zafar in Hyderabad, India, and shipped to the Maldives through arrangements made with the Indian supplier.

Witness statements submitted to the court indicate that Zafar paid the fees required to clear the shipment and that payment receipts were sent directly to him. The court order also notes that WhatsApp communications related to importing the goods were submitted as evidence.

Two Maldivians were arrested when the shipment was seized in a joint operation conducted by Maldives Customs Service and the Maldives Police Service on February 12.

They were identified as Hassan Mafaz of M. Madhaaruge, Mulah, and Visham Mohamed of H. Filmeesite.

More than 36 kilograms of drugs were recovered from the shipment during the operation.