A Ghanaian national, Appiah James, has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison after being caught trying to smuggle drugs into the Maldives. His arrest occurred in June of last year when he arrived in the country on a Qatar Airways flight.
Arrest and Discovery
Appiah’s arrival in the Maldives immediately raised red flags. Customs intelligence flagged him for additional inspection, leading to a detailed search. A body scan revealed suspicious foreign objects inside his body, prompting authorities to act quickly. He was then taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for further examination.
Cocaine Ingestion
Upon medical investigation, it was discovered that Appiah had ingested a total of 108 drug pellets. These pellets contained 1,461 grams of cocaine. This method of drug smuggling, known as “body packing,” is often used to conceal illegal substances within the body to avoid detection during airport screenings. However, in this case, Customs officials were able to intercept the drugs before they reached the streets of the Maldives.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Appiah James admitted to the charges and reached a plea agreement with the state. His guilty plea led to a reduced sentence, with the court handing down a 12-year, six-month prison term for his crimes.
In addition to the prison sentence, Appiah was fined MVR 100,000 (around $6,500). He has been given 12 months to pay the fine, adding a financial penalty on top of his lengthy jail time.
Smuggling Attempts on the Rise
The Maldives, known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, is also seeing an uptick in drug smuggling cases. Authorities have heightened surveillance at all entry points, making it increasingly difficult for smugglers to succeed. Appiah’s case serves as another example of the challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug-related crimes in the country.
