Police seize large amounts of alcohol

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has seized a large amount of alcohol from a house in Maafannu ward of capital Male' city.

During the investigation, police had learnt that the alcohol and beer bottles seized in an operation conducted are ones released for tourists in safaris through the bonded warehouse in Hulhumale.

In a press conference, deputy head of the Drug Enforcement Department Inspector of Police Rajni Shuaib said that 411 bottles of alcohol and 84 cans of beer had been seized in the search conducted in M. Mifleen under a search warrant.

Rajni added that the suspects had attempted to flee after disobeying police orders.

According to Inspector Shuaib, M. Mifleen had been used as a main storage unit to stock alcohol and for the illegal trade.

Two Bangladeshi citizens aged 30 and 40 have been taken into police custody regarding illegal alcohol trade and police understand that they have been living in Maldives illegally.

Four other suspects believed to be involved in the case have also been taken into police custody. The suspects are aged 18, 20, 21 and 26.

Inspector Shuaib said these four have a criminal record of violence and narcotics related cases.

Seized in this operation were 411 bottles in their original packaging and a full 5 litre bottle of what is suspected to be alcohol along with 84 cans of beer.

Police are evidently searching for more individuals alleged to be behind the illegal trade.

Rajni highlighted that this is a fraudulent use of the license given in the country for the marketing of alcohol to tourists and appeals on businesses to be cautious when leasing their apartments and properties for rent seeing as many rented apartments are being used for illegal trade.