Maldives Customs Service have revealed that drugs were smuggled into the Maldives from 21 different countries over the past five years.
A map publicized by Customs on Sunday showed origins and routes of drugs seized as they were smuggled in to Maldives via sea, air, and postal service during the period between 2013-2018.
According to the map, the drugs came from 21 countries, with most originating from countries in the Asian continent, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, UAE, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Drugs originating from African nations including Ethiopia. Benin and Togo were also intercepted, as well as those from European countries Netherlands, Spain, Germany, UK and Belgium.
Drugs from two countries of the South American continent, Trinidad and Tobago, and Brazil were also intercepted in Maldives in the last five years.
Customs identified increased entry of drugs though trade routes, and assured that authorities remain watchful on these areas.
Authorities have previously acknowledged that Maldivian waters are a popular route for the transportation of smuggled drugs to different destinations around the world. Recently, a boat carrying 150 kg of drugs were intercepted on Maldivian waters.
