A 22-year-old Maldivian man has died while in custody in Thailand after being arrested in connection with an alleged drug-smuggling attempt, authorities confirmed.
The Maldives Police Service said it received reports confirming the death of Ibrahim Nabeeh Naseem (22), house name Funaaru, from Th. Guraidhoo, while he was being held in a Thai prison.
According to available information, Nabeeh was apprehended on February 22, 2026, at Don Mueang International Airport after airport security officers allegedly discovered drugs linked to his travel on Thai AirAsia Flight FD175.
He was taken into custody by Thai authorities following the arrest and later detained in prison while legal proceedings were underway.
Thailand enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world, with prisons in the country widely regarded as among the most tightly controlled and strict correctional systems globally, particularly for narcotics-related offenses.
Maldives Police said they are currently coordinating with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nabeeh’s death while in custody. Details regarding the cause of death and the exact timeline of events have not yet been disclosed.
Further information is expected as authorities continue to investigate the incident.
