Maldives Customs has seized 40 kilograms of hashish oil concealed inside bottles labeled as chocolate syrup, with an estimated street value of MVR 30 million.
The narcotics were intercepted during inspection of imported goods, Customs confirmed Thursday. Some of the bottles were visibly branded as “Chocoville Chocolate Syrup” and packed in boxes resembling standard food shipments.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the origin of the shipment or whether arrests have been made in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.
This marks one of the largest hashish oil seizures in recent months, and Customs officials say the concealment method, using food packaging, reflects increasingly sophisticated smuggling tactics.