Indian customs authorities have arrested two Maldivian nationals at Cochin International Airport for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of medicines without the required documentation.

According to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the airport, the individuals were detained while preparing to board a flight to the Maldives. Officials recovered five cartons of medicines, estimated to be worth between INR 300,000 and INR 500,000.

The suspects were reportedly transporting the pharmaceutical products without drug certificates or valid import/export licences, which are mandatory under Indian regulations for the export of medical goods in bulk. The absence of proper paperwork led authorities to suspect the medicines were being smuggled for commercial purposes.

All seized items have been sent for laboratory testing to determine whether the medicines contain any unauthorised or controlled substances. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact purpose of the attempted export.