Two Expats Arrested in Male' Over Illegal Liquor Trade, 1,700+ Bottles Seized
5 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 08:43Police have apprehended an Indian and a Sri Lankan national for operating a large-scale illegal liquor trade in Male', seizing over 1,700 bottles of alcohol during the operation. Both suspects have since been handed over to Maldives Immigration for legal action and deportation proceedings.
Two expatriates arrested for large-scale alcohol trade. | Maldives Police Service
Two expatriates involved in a large-scale illegal liquor trade in Male' have been taken into custody and handed over to Maldives Immigration.
Police have announced the arrest of two foreign nationals in connection with the illegal possession and sale of alcohol, as well as the suspected use of both narcotics and alcohol.
The individuals arrested in connection with this case have been identified as Perumal Mayavan, 44, an Indian national, and Thuwan Rislin Faleel, 35, a Sri Lankan national.
In a joint operation conducted by Drug Enforcement and Counter-Narcotics Intelligence on October 1, authorities arrested the suspects and raided a residence in Male'. Police reported that the search led to the seizure of 1,677 bottles (500ml) and 23 bottles (5L) of suspected alcohol, along with two rubber packets containing substances believed to be illicit drugs.
Following the completion of all necessary legal procedures, both individuals have now been handed over to Maldives Immigration for further action under the Immigration Act.
The police are currently investigating the matter.
