Police crackdown on drug smuggling network, six remanded

Officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) have cracked down on a drug smuggling and trafficking network.

Six individuals have been arrested and remanded in connection with the case.

As such, the Criminal Court has remanded three suspects by 30 days, with two given a remand period of 25 days.

The remaining suspect has been remanded pending the outcome of the trial. The suspect has confessed that the drugs and cash confiscated during the police operation, indeed belonged to him.

All six of the suspects are accused of consuming, being in possession of, as well as trafficking drugs.

Arrested in the drug operation are a 36-year-old, a 39-year-old, a 47-year-old, a 28-year-old, a 37-year-old and a 30-year-old.

In an order issued by the Criminal Court, the court has noted that enough evidence has been submitted in the case to confirm the accusations against the suspects.

As such, authorities found a copious number of drugs wrapped in different ways, during the operations stemmed from Police Intelligence reports.

Police went on to reveal that a hefty amount of cash had also been seized alongside machines used to package drugs, cellophane and scales.

According to the police institution, they are yet to confirm several things for the ongoing investigation.

The court order also stated that the suspects had committed the crime they are accused of, through a very thoroughly organized network.

Judge Sofwath Habeeb issued the Criminal Court order.