A suspect detained in relation to the attempted smuggling of hashish oil into the Maldives, concealed in chocolate syrup bottles, stated that he was unaware they contained drugs when he collected them.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case: Ahmed Ali, 47, Afiya, HA. Hoarafushi and Mohamed Adil, 57, Golden House, Th. Thimarafushi. Ali Ahmed’s remand was extended by 15 days on Monday following the expiration of his initial remand period.
According to the remand order, the Police believe Ahmed Ali had an active role in the smuggling attempt, having been the individual who went to collect the package.
The Police have described the smuggling attempt as a premeditated crime.
However, in his defense, Ahmed Ali argued that he was unaware that the package contained drugs. He added that he is an individual working in the line of good clearance.
Meanwhile, the remand of Mohamed Adil, the other suspect arrested in the case, will expire on Tuesday.
Customs officers conduct first-phase testing of seized chocolate syrup bottles suspected to contain hashish oil, December 25, 2025.
The hashish oil concealed inside chocolate syrup bottles valued at MVR 30 million was discovered by Maldives Customs, which intercepted the package in an operation prompted by suspicions.
Customs tested the substances inside the bottles during the operation, which, during the first phase of testing, came back positive for hashish oil.
According to Customs, the total weight of the imported hashish oil 40 kilograms, with each bottle containing between 1.10 and 1.14 milliliters.
Hashish oil, a derivative of cannabis, is classified under Schedule 1 of the Prohibited Drugs list. Under Maldivian law, the importation of more than 350 grams of cannabis-based substances is punishable by death.