Maldives Police Service (MPS) has released the details of those arrested in a major drug bust earlier this month.

Police had, in a joint operation with the security forces of Sri Lanka and India on October 5, intercepted a boat attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. The Iranian-flagged boat was intercepted approximately 172 miles northwest of Thuraakunu, Haa Alifu Atoll, along with local fishing vessel 'Hedhey Kuri 7', with 70kg of heroin.

They revealed that six individuals were aboard the foreign boat, while two locals and a Bangladeshi national were apprehended from the Maldivian vessel. Three additional suspects were arrested later on.

Details of the suspects arrested in the case were released on Tuesday, with photos.

Police identified Ali Anwar Mohamed, 35 from Hithadhoo island in Addu City as the ring leader in the drug operation, and Ahmed Shakeeb, 40 from Dhiffushi island of Kaafu atoll and Mohamed Rishfan, 23 from Gan of Laamu atoll as his accomplices.

Police also released the details of the four suspects 'Hedhey Kuri 7'; Adam Misbaah, 39 from Dhiffushi island in Kaafu atoll; Mohamed Inash, 22 from Gan island of Laamu atoll and Bangladeshi nationals Ali Ahmed, 24 and Thuhun, 36.

Arrested from the foreign boat are all Iranians; Fakeer (50y), Easa Sulaiman (26y), Ismail Ibrahim (50y), Naveedh (30y) Saajid (50y) and Ali Raja (19y).