Maldives Customs Seizes Over 2kg of Drugs at Velana International Airport

The Maldives Customs Service has seized more than 2.1 kilograms of illegal substances smuggled into the country through Velana International Airport (VIA). The interception was made on April 1, during routine inspections of inbound passengers and cargo.

According to Customs, officers discovered 2,174 grams of the substance concealed within an arriving consignment. Preliminary testing identified it as a narcotic preparation, and the case has since been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

Customs estimates the street value of the seized material at MVR 1.7 million, marking one of the more significant airport‑level interceptions in recent months.

Officials noted that the agency continues to strengthen surveillance and screening measures at entry points, working closely with law‑enforcement partners to curb the smuggling of illegal drugs into the Maldives.