2 Maldivians arrested in Sri Lanka with MVR 1.8 million worth of methamphetamine

Two Maldivian nationals have been arrested in Sri Lanka after police seized methamphetamine, commonly known as "Ice", with an estimated value of 10 million Sri Lankan rupees (approximately MVR 1.8 million).

According to Sri Lanka Police's Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), a 40-year-old Maldivian man was arrested during an operation at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's Daily News reported that the suspect had arrived from Malé at around 12:15 pm.

Acting on intelligence that the suspect was carrying narcotics, PNB officers monitored the arrivals area before intercepting him near the baggage claim.

A search revealed 602 grams of methamphetamine concealed in two packages taped inside his underwear.

Police said the investigation indicated that the drugs were to be delivered to the operator of a methamphetamine distribution network in Sri Lanka.

Based on information obtained during questioning, officers carried out a second operation at a hotel in Colombo on Wednesday night.

During the operation, police arrested a 28-year-old Maldivian man who was identified as the intended recipient of the drugs.

The PNB said officers recovered a further 10.67 grams of methamphetamine from his possession.

Both suspects were produced before the Negombo Magistrate's Court on Thursday and remanded in custody for 14 days while investigations continue.