Three arrested in separate drug operations

Three individuals have been arrested in three separate drug operations.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) in a publication on Sunday revealed that the drug operations were conducted in three different islands as part of their efforts to curb drug trafficking and smuggling across the island nation and crack down on such networks.

The drug operation in Mahibadhoo island of Alif Dhaal atoll stemmed from an intel report of drug abuse in the island and was conducted on March 31.

Through the operation, a 31-year-old Maldivian man was arrested under a court order. Officers seized six rubber packets and eight pieces of cellophane suspected to contain narcotics, upon searching the man.

The Mahibadhoo Magistrate Court has since remanded the man by 15 days, at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Another drug operation carried out in Dharavandhoo island of Baa atoll saw a 36-year-old Maldivian man arrested, on March 30.

The operation was conducted after the police institution was tipped off that drugs were being smuggled into the island from a resort in the same atoll.

The man was found in possession of three rubber packets stuffed with suspected narcotics.

Upon being presented to the Dharavandhoo Magistrate Court for his remand, the 36-year-old was remanded by five days, at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The third operation was conducted in Maamendhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll and stemmed from an intel report submitted to Police Intelligence that drugs were being smuggled into the island.

The operation was conducted on March 29 and arrested was a 38-year-old individual. The arrest was made from the island’s harbor region. Officers seized an empty film cannister stuffed with suspected narcotics, on the suspect.

The Maamendhoo Magistrate Court has remanded the suspect by 15 days, at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

All three cases are currently being investigated by the police.