The Maldives Police Service has arrested two Malaysian nationals for their involvement in drug trafficking. The suspects, identified as N. G. Tham Lip, 44, and Kore Khuan Boon, 41, were apprehended at Velana International Airport on July 27, 2024. The police found 13.5 kg of cannabis hidden in their luggage during the arrest.

According to authorities, an investigation revealed that the two individuals are part of a larger seven-member international drug trafficking group. The group communicated through a WeChat group, with another Malaysian national arriving in the Maldives a day earlier to receive the drugs.

Police further stated that the drugs were intended to be repackaged in the Maldives and then smuggled to the United Kingdom. The Maldives Police Service is continuing the investigation in collaboration with Interpol, highlighting the transnational nature of the criminal operation.

The case underscores the growing threat of international drug trafficking networks operating in the region, with Maldivian authorities stepping up their efforts to counteract such activities.