Two arrested for smuggling 40 kg of hashish oil concealed in chocolate syrup bottles

Two men have been arrested for attempting to smuggle hashish oil by sea using chocolate syrup bottles, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The suspects are Ahmed Ali, 47, of Afiya, HA. Hoarafushi, and Mohamed Adil, 57, of Goldenhouse, Th. Thimarafushi. Police said Ahmed Ali was arrested on Friday, while Mohamed Adil was arrested on Saturday.

Both men were taken before the court and remanded in custody for five days. The case is now being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Department.

The arrests follow a major seizure by Maldives Customs, which intercepted chocolate syrup bottles containing suspicious substances. Customs said the bottles, valued at MVR 30 million, were tested during the operation, and the contents initially tested positive for hashish oil.

According to Customs, the total weight of the imported hashish oil is 40 kg. Each bottle contained between 1.10 and 1.14 millilitres of the substance.

Hashish oil, a cannabis derivative, is listed under Schedule 1 of the Prohibited Drugs list. Under Maldivian law, importing more than 350 grams of cannabis‑based substances carries the death penalty.