Two individuals have been arrested in connection to drug operations conducted by officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The drug operations were carried out by police stationed in different atolls, as part of the efforts by the police institution to curb drug trafficking and smuggling across the Maldives.

The operations were carried out at Hinnavaru island in Lhaviyani atoll as well as Kudahuvadhoo island of Dhaalu atoll.

A 28-year-old in possession of narcotics, was arrested from Kudahuvadhoo, following an intel report. As such, the individual was arrested near the harbor region of the island, where he was searched and officers confiscated two rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics on him.

Following the operation in Hinnavaru, officers on patrol arrested a 40-year-old Maldivian man on June 21.

The suspect panicked and tossed something in his hand when the officers had attempted to stop him for questioning. The substances the suspect threw contained 13 rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics.

The 40-year-old has since been remanded by 15 days upon being presented at the Hinnavaru Magistrate Court.

He is to be remanded at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The police institution is currently investigating both cases.