Maldives Customs has apprehended a 39-year-old Maldivian man for attempting to smuggle 109 grams of heroin into the country by air.

The arrest took place on January 9 following an inspection at the airport.

The accused, identified as a man from Fuvahmulah City, Dhiguvaandu/ Kafiage, reportedly concealed the drugs by tying them beneath the handles of his two pieces of luggage. Upon testing, Customs confirmed the substance to be heroin.

The suspect was produced before the Criminal Court, which remanded him to be detained for 15 days. The remand order detailed the discovery of the drugs during his arrival procedures and noted that his urine test returned positive for drug use.

Authorities also revealed that the suspect has a prior criminal record involving drug-related offences. The court deemed the evidence sufficient to link him to the crime, citing the need to ensure public safety as part of its decision.