Maldivian duo arrested from Bangkok with over 12 kilos of crystal meth and cannabis

Two Maldivian men have been arrested from the Thai capital Bangkok with over 12 kilos of crystal meth and cannabis hidden inside stainless-steel tumblers and wrapped in children’s clothing.

Thai news outlets, citing the police, reported on Wednesday that Ali Rashid, 46, and Mohamed Wisam, 36, were arrested after investigators traced several large parcels initially brought to a cargo service in the Pratunam area.

The investigation reportedly began on October 5 when a tipster told police that a foreign man had arrived with several large boxes wrapped tightly in tape and waiting to be shipped.

Despite the heavy wrapping, a strong smell was coming from the parcels. Staff became concerned that the boxes might contain illegal items and told the man to take them back before alerting police.

Investigators later found the parcels placed beneath a dormitory in Soi Phetchaburi 11, Ratchathewi district, apparently awaiting shipment through another delivery company.

Police monitored the area and later saw two foreign men call a tuk tuk to transport the boxes before officers moved in and searched the parcels.

Inside, they found eight stainless steel insulated tumblers containing crystal meth, with roughly 200 to 300 grammes concealed inside each cup. The total weight of the meth was 2.37 kilograms.

Police also found around 10 kilograms of cannabis buds wrapped inside bundles of children’s clothing and secured with thick tape.

The drugs were reportedly mixed among other items, including children’s clothes and toy cars, making the parcels appear at first glance to contain ordinary goods.

Police seized five large parcel boxes and took both men to Phaya Thai Police Station.

The pair were accused of jointly possessing and distributing a Category 1 narcotic, crystal methamphetamine, with intent to sell without permission.

Both men denied the allegations.

They reportedly told police they did not know the boxes contained drugs or illegal items and claimed a friend had asked them to send the parcels on their behalf.

According to their account, the first delivery company refused the shipment because of the strong smell and told them to collect the boxes, prompting them to store the parcels at their accommodation before their arrest.

According to media reports, Thai police are now investigating whether the two men are connected to a transnational drug trafficking network and are seeking other possible suspects in the case.