Number of arrests made following drug busts in various islands

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has made several arrests under drug operations conducted in various islands.

An arrest was made in Bandidhoo island of Dhaal atoll, under an operation conducted by the officers stationed in the island.

The 25-year-old Maldivian man was arrested from the island’s harbor region, after a tip-off that he was in possession of narcotics.

In the operation conducted on May 23, officers confiscated a large package filled with suspected narcotics inside the man’s bag.

Bandidhoo Police Station has since launched investigations into the matter.

Two additional arrests were also made in two separate drug operations conducted in islands of Haa Dhaal atoll.

As such, a 33-year-old was arrested from Nolhivaran island on May 24, after being tipped off that he was in possession of drugs. Officers confiscated two rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics, upon searching the man.

Further, a 41-year-old was also arrested from Nolhivaranfaru island on May 21, after a tip off under an operation conducted in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Unit.

During a court-ordered raid on his residence, officers confiscated 27 slips and three rubber packets filled with suspected narcotics.

The Kulhudhuffushi Magistrate Court has since remanded the 41-year-old by 15 days, to be kept in a location decided by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Both cases are being investigated by the authorities.

These operations were conducted as part of MPS’s efforts to crack down on drug trafficking networks and bring an end to drug trafficking and smuggling in the Maldives.