A Bangladeshi national has been sentenced to life imprisonment for smuggling drugs into the Maldives.
MD Sohab Mia, 36, was convicted in the case following his arrest at Velana International Airport.
Police said the incident occurred on 28 June 2024 when Sohab arrived in the Maldives on a US-Bangla Airlines flight. During baggage checks at the airport, officers discovered a suspicious substance concealed inside a laptop bag he was carrying. The substance was later analysed and confirmed to be 535.6632 grams of methamphetamine.
Authorities submitted evidence, laboratory analysis reports and statements from police officers to the court as part of the investigation. The Prosecutor General’s Office subsequently charged Sohab with importing a drug listed under Clause 1 of the Drugs Act.
The Criminal Court found him guilty and sentenced him to 23 years, three months and 25 days in prison, after deducting the time he had already spent in custody. The court also ordered Sohab to pay a fine of MVR 100,000, equivalent to approximately USD 6,458.
Authorities have noted an increase in attempts to smuggle drugs into the country by both air and sea. In response, officials say additional measures are being implemented to strengthen detection and enforcement.
Meanwhile, amendments to the Drugs Act passed by Parliament on 3 December last year came into force on 7 December. The amendment allows for the death penalty to be imposed in cases involving drug smuggling.