10 arrested in Meemu atoll drugs and alcohol bust

10 individuals have been arrested in an alcohol and drug bust.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that the arrests were made as part of an operation they conducted after receiving an intel report that drugs were being transported to an uninhabited island in Meemu atoll.

The drugs were being transferred in a speedboat, to an uninhabited island from Mulah island in Meemu atoll.

The operation was conducted on March 4, by officers stationed on Muli island, Kolhufushi island as well as Police Intelligence Unit officers.

The arrests were made at sea, near Hakuraahuraa island.

Upon conducting a raid on the speedboat as well as those onboard, officers found 15 pieces of cellophane and a can filled with suspected narcotics, as well as 35 bottles of alcohol.

Alongside the 10 individuals arrested under allegations of transporting drugs and alcohol, one more individual was arrested over accusations of obstructing law enforcement officers.

The suspects in police custody are between the ages of 22 to 33.

Upon being presented to the Muli Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, some of them were remanded for three days, some for five days and some were granted conditional release.

Further investigations are currently underway in connection with the case.