Customs seize drugs worth MVR 83 million from Brazilian traveler

Maldives Customs Service has seized drugs weighing 16.732 kilos from a Brazilian who had traveled to the Maldives via a flight from Brazil.

According to Customs, the suspect, a 29-year-old Brazilian woman, arrived in Maldives on a flight from Brazil on August 18. Her actions were deemed suspicious by customs officers, prompting a search of her luggage. 

During the search, Customs had found items which they suspected were drugs – and upon testing, it was confirmed as cocaine.

The Customs confirmed that the woman was carrying cocaine weighing 17.723 kilos – which is estimated to have a street value of MVR 83 million in total.

Both the suspect and the drugs have been transferred to the custody of police for a criminal investigation. 

Prior to this, a 31-year-old Brazilian woman who arrived in the Maldives on August 13 was also arrested with drugs worth over MVR 15 million.