Two Maldivian men have been arrested in Bangkok after Thai police discovered more than two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 10 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside parcels they were allegedly attempting to send out of the country.
The suspects have been identified as Ali Rashid, 46, and Mohamed Visam, 34.
The arrests followed an operation launched on October 5 after suspicions were raised over heavily sealed packages taken to a cargo service provider in Bangkok’s Pratunam area.
Despite the boxes being tightly wrapped, staff reportedly noticed a strong and unusual smell coming from the packages.
The cargo company refused to accept the shipment and asked for the boxes to be removed, with police subsequently alerted to the suspicious parcels.
The packages were later traced as an attempt was allegedly made to send them through another cargo company.
Police intercepted the two Maldivians while they were transporting the boxes in a tuk-tuk and seized the parcels for inspection.
What officers found inside revealed two different methods of concealment.
Approximately 2.37 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine had allegedly been hidden inside eight stainless steel insulated flasks.
Police also discovered around 10 kilograms of cannabis packed among children’s clothing and toys inside the shipment.
The two suspects were arrested and taken, along with the seized substances, to Phaya Thai Police Station for further investigation.
They have been accused of unauthorised possession and attempted distribution of Category 1 narcotics in connection with the seizure.
Both men have denied the allegations.
According to accounts of their statements to investigators, the suspects claimed they did not know the packages contained narcotics or other illegal items.
They reportedly told police that a friend had asked them to arrange shipment of the boxes and that they had accepted the request without knowing what was concealed inside.
The men also told investigators that the first cargo company had rejected the shipment because of the strong smell coming from the packages.
Thai authorities are now investigating whether the two Maldivians were knowingly involved in the alleged trafficking operation or were transporting the parcels on behalf of other individuals.
Investigators are also looking into whether additional suspects or a wider trafficking network may be connected to the shipment.
The seizure comes amid continuing concern over Maldivians becoming involved in international drug trafficking cases, both as alleged organisers and as couriers moving narcotics between countries.
Authorities have repeatedly warned travellers against accepting packages or luggage from other people without knowing exactly what they contain, particularly when crossing international borders.
Drug offences can carry severe criminal penalties in Thailand, particularly cases involving methamphetamine and allegations of trafficking or distribution.
The precise penalties the two Maldivians could face will depend on the offences ultimately pursued by Thai prosecutors, the quantities and classification of the substances involved, and the findings of the ongoing investigation.
For now, police are working to establish who prepared the packages, their intended destination and whether the two Maldivian suspects were part of a broader operation behind the shipment.
