Three individuals have been arrested in a drug operation conducted on two islands of Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) conducted the operation as part of its efforts to curb drug trafficking and smuggling attempts across the Maldives, and to crackdown on such networks.

The drug operations were conducted in Thinadhoo island and Gadhdhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

MPS on Wednesday revealed that the operation in Gadhdhoo stemmed from an intel report regarding drug possession, on March 10.

As part of the operation conducted by officers of Gadhdhoo Police Station and the Police Intelligence Unit jointly, a 37-year-old man was arrested and found in possession of six rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics.

Upon being presented to the Gadhdhoo Magistrate Court for his remand hearing, the man has been remanded for a 15-day period.

The operation in Thinadhoo island was also conducted after the police was tipped off regarding drug possession.

During the operation conducted on March 9, officers stationed at the island and intel officers arrested a 36-year-old Maldivian man and a 42-year-old expatriate.

They were found in possession of five rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics, as well as materials used to package drugs.

Upon being presented to the Thinadhoo Magistrate Court for their remand hearing, the Maldivian man was remanded for three days, and the expatriate was remanded pending sentencing.

Both cases are under further investigation.