One Maldivian, two Indians arrested for allegedly smuggling over six kilos of drugs

Three people have been arrested at Velana International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle over six kilos of drugs into the Maldives.  

The suspects have been identified as a Maldivian – Ali Irufan, 28, Hithilaage, GDh. Gadhdhoo – and two Indians, Dhanushkaadhang Gopal, 19, and Kathirivil Manimaran, 21.

According to the Police, the suspects were detained by Maldives Customs Service on suspicion of attempting to smuggle drugs into the Maldives, and subsequently handed over to the Police.

The suspects were detained on March 3^rd.

Irufan has been remanded in custody pending the outcome of his trial, while the Indian suspects were remanded in custody for five days.

The case is under further investigation by the Police.

Notably, four Indians were arrested on drug-related charges within last week in two separate cases. Two of them- Jainab Wajih Ali, 25 and Mohamed Navaz Dhayathar, 21 – are suspected of attempting to smuggle over one kilo of drugs into the Maldives via air.

The Criminal Court’s remand order shows that hashish oil was discovered in the luggage of both suspects. 

The remaining suspects were detained after roughly seven kilograms of narcotics were discovered in their possession.