Authorities release two Sri Lankans after major liquor seizure on safari

Two Sri Lankan nationals arrested over the alleged unpermitted sale of liquor on a safari in Hulhumale' lagoon have been released unconditionally, police confirmed.

The arrests were made on December 31 following a Counter Narcotics Intelligence tip‑off. Police searched the safari under a court order and recovered 102 bottles of alcohol and 218 cans of beer.

The individuals arrested were identified as:  

• MD Shekhar Hossain, 34, India  

• Russel Mia, 35, Bangladesh  

• Pubudu Asela Bandara Dolosba Gedara, 27, Sri Lanka  

• Tharaka Saman Kumaradeva, 35, Sri Lanka  

• Mohamed Manil, 52, H. Binmathiaage, Male'

All five were initially taken into custody and presented before the court. Police later released the two Sri Lankan nationals without conditions. The remand of the Indian and Bangladeshi suspects was extended, while the latest decision regarding the Maldivian suspect remains unclear.

Authorities note that irregular business operations by expatriates have become a growing concern in the Maldives, often carried out under permits registered to Maldivians. Immigration Controller Ahmed Faseeh recently highlighted that six local lawyers are volunteering to assist in identifying and apprehending such offenders, including locals who lease their permits to foreigners.

The government has pledged to resolve the long‑standing issue of undocumented and irregular foreign businesses within the first three years of its term.