Several arrests have been made in connection with an alcohol and drug busts.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) conducted the operations following an intel report, under their ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and smuggling across the island nation and crackdown on such networks.

The operations conducted in Hulhumalé Phase I, saw five arrested.

One of the operations was conducted on July 26, during which police officers stopped a pickup truck and searched the vehicle on Nirolhu Magu of Hulhumalé. They confiscated 70 bottles of alcohol during the operation and arrested three expatriates.

They were a 26-year-old, a 37-year-old and a 41-year-old, all men.

Upon being presented to the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, the three suspects were given seven days in remand custody.

In another operation conducted on July 25, officers raided an apartment building in Hulhumalé under a court order. During the court-ordered raid officers confiscated 39 rubber packets, seven pieces of cellophane, an empty film cannister and a small packet filled with suspected narcotics alongside with some mobile phone devices and bundles of cash.

Arrested in connection with the case were a minor and a 23-year-old Maldivian man.

The minor was released from police custody upon being presented to the court for his remand hearing, under conditions by the Juvenile Court.

The Hulhumalé Magistrate Court remanded the 23-year-old man for seven days.

The police station in Hulhumalé Phase I is currently conducting probes in connection with both cases.