India intercepts two Maldivians attempting to smuggle medicine worth MVR 88,000

Two Maldivians have been intercepted at India’s Cochin International Airport on Sunday while attempting to smuggle a large quantity of medicine into the Maldives.

According to Indian media outlets, the customs air intelligence intercepted two Maldivians at Cochin International Airport while attempting to fly to the Maldives with a large quantity of medicine without the necessary documentation – such as a technical officer of drugs certificate and a valid import/export license – mandatory for bulk export of pharmaceuticals.

India Customs released a press statement regarding the case, placing the value of the medications they possessed between 300,000 to 500,000 Indian rupees (between MVR 53,265.37 and MVR 88,775.62).

As per the statement, both individuals have been permitted to fly back to the Maldives after seizing the medications.

Customs, citing that the individuals were carrying the medication in a hand luggage, said the intention for transporting such a large quantity of medications remains unclear. However, the authority cited the possibility of the medications being intended for retail distribution in the Maldives.

Customs said they will investigate the seized medications to determine whether they include any banned or controlled substances that could potentially be misused as narcotics.

As the prices of medications are cheaper in India, many Maldivians procure medications from India for personal use or sale.