Customs seize 40 kg of hashish oil worth MVR 30 million hidden in chocolate syrup bottles

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.

Customs said the narcotics were intercepted during an inspection of imported goods on Thursday. Several of the bottles were visibly branded as Chocoville Chocolate Syrup and packed in boxes resembling ordinary food shipments.

According to officials, the seizure was made during a special operation launched after officers noticed suspicious items inside the syrup bottles. The contents were tested on‑site, and the samples tested positive for hashish oil in the first stage.

Customs confirmed that each bottle contained between 1.10 and 1.14 millilitres of hashish oil. The total weight of the shipment amounted to 40 kilograms.

Hashish oil is a concentrated form of cannabis. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule One drug in the Maldives, and its importation is strictly prohibited. Under Maldivian law, importing more than 350 grams of cannabis carries the death penalty.

The Narcotics Act also prescribes life imprisonment or a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 10 million for drug smuggling offences.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the origin of the shipment or whether any arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.

Earlier this month, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan reiterated that there would be no mercy or exceptions for drug traffickers, emphasising the government’s zero‑tolerance stance.