Three arrested following seizure of 21kg of narcotics
8 މެއި 2026 | ހުކުރު 21:48Following a "controlled delivery" operation triggered by the seizure of 7.94 kilograms of cannabis smuggled into the Maldives by air on October 5, police discovered an additional 13 kilograms of narcotics across two apartments in Malé. A total of 21 kilograms of drugs were seized in the operation, leading to the arrest of one Maldivian national and two Bangladeshi nationals, all of whom have been remanded in custody by the court. The Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service are currently conducting a joint investigation into the matter.
A photo taken outside the Shaheed Hussain Adam Building, police headquarters. | RaajjeMV
Police have seized a total of 21 kilograms of narcotics and taken three individuals into custody following a special operation triggered by the discovery of over seven kilograms of drugs smuggled into the Maldives by air.
A Maldivian man and two Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in connection with this case.
The case originated on May 5th, following the discovery of narcotics in the luggage of a passenger arriving at Velana International International Airport. During a search conducted by Maldives Customs Service, officials uncovered 7.94 kilograms of drugs concealed in sealed plastic bags. According to Customs, the seized substances preliminary tested positive for cannabis.
Following the handover of the seized items by Customs, the Police Drug Enforcement Department and Counter Narcotics Intelligence launched a joint "controlled delivery" operation to identify those involved in smuggling the substances into the Maldives. During this operation, police conducted searches of two apartments in Male', discovering an additional 13 kilograms of narcotics. With this latest discovery, the total quantity of drugs seized in connection with this case has now surpassed 21 kilograms.
Those arrested in the operation on suspicion of drug smuggling and trafficking include 27-year-old Abdulla Raif from Hiyaavahi, L. Kalaidhoo, along with two Bangladeshi nationals: 43-year-old MD Joshim Uddin and 32-year-old Mamun Dali. When presented before the court for a remand hearing, the court ordered Abdulla Raif to be detained for three days, while the two Bangladeshi nationals were remanded for 15 days.
Police are currently conducting further investigations into the matter. To curb the smuggling of narcotics into the Maldives, the Police and Customs are jointly carrying out a series of successful operations.
