Local, Spaniard arrested for large-scale drug smuggling

Maldivian authorities have apprehended a Spanish national and a local individual in connection with the alleged smuggling of significant quantities of illicit drugs into the Maldives.

Pedro Miguel Manzano Angosto, the Spanish national, was taken into custody with the drugs and subsequently presented before the Criminal Court on Monday. His detention report indicates that Manzano, an English speaker, had his detention session facilitated by an English language interpreter and requested legal counsel.

While police have not released specific details concerning the incident, a 46-year-old local man from a southern island, who reportedly went to the airport to receive the Spaniard, has also been arrested. He has been remanded in custody for a period of 10 days.

In a separate but related development this week, a 21-year-old Dutch woman was also arrested for drug smuggling into the Maldives. She has been remanded in custody for 15 days on charges related to drug smuggling and trafficking within the nation.

The escalating drug problem remains a major social concern for the country. In response, the President has reportedly directed efforts towards amending legislation to include the death penalty for individuals convicted of drug importation or trafficking offenses.