Two Maldivians arrested in Bangkok with 12 kilograms of drugs

Two Maldivian men have been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand, following an investigation into a major drug seizure, according to reports from Bangkok media.

The suspects have been identified as 46 year old Ali Rashid and 34 year old Mohamed Wisaam.

The operation was launched on October 5 after police received a tip-off from a cargo service facility in the Pratunam area. The suspects had brought heavily taped boxes to the venue, which raised immediate suspicion among staff due to a strong, distinct odor emanating from them. Suspecting illegal contents, cargo staff instructed the men to retrieve the packages and promptly reported the matter to local authorities.

Police tracked the packages to a dormitory located in Soi Phetchaburi 11, Ratchathewi District, where they had been left, likely to be dispatched via another shipping company. While officers were monitoring the location, the two men arrived in a tuk-tuk and attempted to load the boxes. Police intervened, stopped the individuals, and searched the packages.

Upon inspecting the five confiscated boxes, authorities discovered:

• Crystal Methamphetamine: A total of 2.37 kilograms concealed inside eight stainless steel insulated cups, with each cup containing roughly 200 to 300 grams of the substance.

• Cannabis: Approximately 10 kilograms wrapped in tape and hidden among children's clothing and toy cars to give the appearance of regular commercial goods.

Both men were taken into custody and brought to the Phaya Thai Police Station. They face charges of unauthorized possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics (crystal methamphetamine).

During questioning, both suspects denied the charges, claiming they were unaware that the packages contained illegal substances. They stated they were merely sending the boxes on behalf of a friend and had left the packages at the dormitory location after the initial cargo company turned them away.

Thai police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspects are connected to an international drug network and to identify any other accomplices involved.