Maldives Customs has seized 18 kilogrammes of narcotics in an anti-smuggling operation conducted following intelligence leads.

The attempt to smuggle the drugs into the country was intercepted at Velana International Airport on Tuesday.

According to Customs, the narcotics were trafficked on a flight originating from Bengaluru, India. The drugs were hidden inside plastic flower pots.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, stated that the seized drugs have an estimated street value of MVR 26 million. He commended Customs officials for their dedication in safeguarding the country’s borders.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those involved.