Three have been arrested in two separate drug operations conducted by the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

The police institution revealed that the drug operations were conducted in Hoarafushi island of Haa Alif atoll and Kudahuvadhoo island of Dhaalu atoll as part of their efforts to curb drug trafficking and smuggling across the island nation, and to crackdown on such networks.

On March 30, the police stationed in Hoarafushi island jointly with the police intelligence, launched an operation through which a 32-year-old Maldivian man and a 41-year-old Maldivian woman were arrested under a court order.

The two suspects were found to be in possession of 12 straws filled with suspected narcotics as well as bundles of cash.

Upon being presented to the Hoarafushi Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, the 32-year-old was given a five-day remand period at a facility allocated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The 41-year-old woman was released under conditions.

The operation in Kudahuvadhoo was conducted by the police stationed at the island after receiving an intel report of drug abuse on the island.

During the operation carried out on April 1, a 44-year-old man was taken into police custody and searched. Officers seized five pieces of cellophane and five rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics upon searching him.

Both cases are under further investigation.