An Indian national has been arrested and remanded in connection with an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of drugs into the Maldives.

The individual arrested in this case is 29-year-old Indian citizen Mohamed Tafejul.

According to the court remand order, he attempted to import a large quantity of illicit drugs into the Maldives. In his defense before the court, he claimed that the substances were brought for his personal use and requested to be deported.

Furthermore, he stated in court that the drugs found in his possession are commonly sold in India, claiming that he was unaware they fell under the legal classification of controlled substances.

The Criminal Court ordered that he be remanded in a detention facility until the conclusion of his trial, citing that releasing him would pose a danger to society. According to the court order, police submitted sufficient evidence to establish reasonable suspicion against him in the case.