Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested a woman in possession of narcotics, in Dharavandhoo island of Baa atoll.

The arrest was made during an operation conducted by MPS officers, Dharanvandhoo Police Desk and the Eydhafushi Police Station on 22 December at 11:40pm.

Arrested was a 25-year-old woman following a tip off that she was involved in drug trafficking on the island.

Officers found a film cannister filled with suspected narcotics and a rubber bag filled with suspected narcotics during a raid on her residence.

While the Eydhafushi Police Station has launched an investigation into the case, officers of the MPS are seen conducting various operations across the outlying islands as well as capital city Malé following a rise in drug-related cases in recent days.

MPS has been carrying out a drug operation since the beginning of December with the joint efforts from Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). So far, over 33 individuals have been arrested, minors included, involved in cases of "secret drug cafés".