Maldives Police Service (MPS) has publicized the identities of the suspects arrested in connection to the 215-kilogram drug bust.

Arrested in connection to the drug bust which saw police officers seize 215-kilograms of heroin are, Ali Shakir, 42 as well as Nimal Abdul Haris, 33, both native to Maduvvari island in Raa atoll.

The counter-narcotics operation was launched on October 15 following a tip-off that a hefty amount of drugs were being smuggled into the Maldives via sea-route. The operation was carried out in joint collaboration by the MPS Drug Enforcement Department, Drug Intelligence Unit, Marine Police, officers stationed in Raa atoll and forensics.

The two suspects were remanded by 15 days on October 17.

In the operation which was part of efforts by the police institution to bring an end to drug smuggling and trafficking nationwide, officers searched uninhabited islands as well as a speedboat. The hefty amount of narcotics were found hidden in an uninhabited island of Raa atoll.

Further investigations are currently underway.

Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Hameed has confirmed that the operation joined by forensics, drug enforcement, marine police and Raa atoll officers on October 13, saw 215-kilograms of drugs seized. He expressed gratitude to the Indian government and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) for the support extended in carrying out the operation successfully.

Details of MNDF and India assistance are yet to be publicized.