3 arrested over attempt to smuggle more than 2 kg of drugs into Maldives

Three people have been arrested for attempting to smuggle more than two kilograms of drugs into the Maldives by air, police said on Saturday.

Two Maldivian men and a Malaysian woman were arrested in connection with the case. They are:

Ranjini Jeevanthan was arrested at Velana International Airport. The two Maldivian suspects were arrested from Malé.

According to the arrest warrant, drugs were found in the luggage carried by Ranjini Jeevanthan, who is accused of trafficking drugs into the Maldives. He was remanded in custody for 15 days.

Looth Ibrahim was also remanded in custody for 15 days. Ahmed Rishmah was remanded in custody for five days to allow time to appoint legal representation. The two men are charged with use, possession, and trafficking of drugs.

According to court documents, Looth Ibrahim and Ahmed Rishmah entered a guesthouse and handed over luggage containing the drugs. When police arrived, both suspects fled the scene and later refused to provide urine samples.

Police said the drugs seized in the case weighed 2.240 kilograms.

Investigations into the case are ongoing.