Police have searched two homes and an office, in Mahchangoalhi ward of capital city Malé in their investigation to locate a reported ‘threat to national security’.

Officers on Monday night entered and searched Embu and Namoonaage, and an office building – all in the Mahchangoalhi.

Warrants for these properties were issued on the grounds that they harbour evidence in an ongoing investigation into a threat to national security, according to police documents. An officer’s later comment reveal that this threat is from illicit weapons production.

Police had gathered items from all properties.

The office reported to RaajjeMV that officers had damaged its entrance and that it holds the Maldives Police Service accountable for damages. The police’s media official said that the service would take responsibility for repairs if ‘it is proven that the premises was not being used for production of weapons used in war’.

While four people had been arrested last night, the office’s owner said he and his two sons had been arrested as well. He said officers had confiscated documents and items such ‘as fishing poles’.