Maldives Customs Services have said that the Indian nationals who brought in Idolatry statues to Maldives did so with the intention of a peaceful gathering.

A statement released by Customs today has revealed that the statues brought in from India on 3 March were carried by four Indian nationals on tourist visas.

The statement reiterated that upon further inspection of luggage, 13 luggage were found to consist of idolatry statues. Customs reported that there were a total of 27 large statues and one small statue.

Customs had declared that visitors have the option of taking back any goods that is brought in to Maldives, that are in violation of the regulations of this country.

Idolatry statues are prohibited from being brought into Maldives under Article 4 (b) of the law of items prohibited in Maldives.