Five arrested, remanded in massive drug bust

The individuals arrested in a major drug operation conducted in two islands, have been remanded.

Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that the drug operations were carried out in Hinnavaru island and Naifaru island of Lhaviyani atoll.

The arrests were made in the drug operation conducted jointly by the MPS Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Counter Narcotics Intelligence and North Police.

12 locations in both islands were scanned as part of the raids conducted on September 11.

Suspected narcotics weighing 86.26 grams were confiscated by the officers during the operation alongside bundles of cash totaling MVR 293,000 and notes of Euros and U.S. dollars.

Arrested in the operation were Hinnavaru natives Hussain Eesa Fulhu, 48, Ahmed Mohamed, 36, Mohamed Irushad, 35, Naifaru native Abdulla Zakariyya, 46, and Fathimath Reema, 44, hailing from Mahibadhoo island of Alif Dhaal atoll.

The police institution stated that alongside the five individuals arrested, additional suspects were also searched as part of the operation.

Upon being presented to the court for their remand hearing, the court ordered to remand Hussain Eesa Fulhu and Ahmed Mohamed for seven days, Abdulla Zakariyya for 15 days, Fathimath Reema for 12 days and Mohamed Irushad for three days.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, an official at MPS revealed that such operations are being carried out in several islands across the outlying atolls based on intel received and that this was a successful operation.

Further, the police added that they have expanded their efforts to solve drug-related issues and establish a safe environment.

MPS is conducting further investigations in connection with the case.