Two men arrested on suspicion of using a child to traffic drugs

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of using a child to traffic drugs, in what police say is a serious offence under Maldivian law.

The suspects, Ahmed Naeem of Satellite, Vilimale’ and Hassan Nuaz of Naazleemanzil, Vilimale’, were taken into custody on charges of drug trafficking and exploiting a minor. Both were remanded in custody for 30 days.

According to the arrest warrant, investigators found evidence of large financial transactions between the two men. Police have not disclosed further details of the case or the age of the child involved.

Using a minor in the commission of a drug offence is a grave crime under Maldivian law. Section 105 of the Narcotic Drugs Act makes it an offence to involve a child, defined as anyone under 18, in transporting, selling, transferring or participating in any drug‑related activity.

Under Section 105(b), anyone who uses a child to commit a drug offence is liable to the maximum penalty prescribed for that offence. For drug trafficking, this includes life imprisonment and a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 10 million.

The Child Rights Protection Act also obliges the state to protect children from exploitation, abuse and any activity that endangers their wellbeing.

Police have not said whether additional charges will be brought as the investigation continues.