Three Sri Lankans to be deported after liquor and cash seizure

Three Sri Lankan nationals arrested with alcohol and a large sum of cash have been handed over to Maldives Immigration for deportation, authorities confirmed.

The individuals were identified as:

•  Mahesh Indirajit Silva, 42

•  Kalyani Edirisinghi Appuhamilage, 48

•  Manjula Kumara Ratnayake Mudiyanse, 50

The arrests were made following a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Drug Enforcement on Tuesday. During a raid on a residential property, officers recovered 24 bottles (500ml) of suspected liquor along with a larger container also believed to hold alcohol.

In addition to the illicit substances, police seized over MVR 38,000 and USD 1,100 in cash from the suspects.

The Maldives Police Service stated that the three suspects have been transferred to the custody of Maldives Immigration to begin the deportation process. While the individuals await removal from the country, police noted that the criminal investigation into the matter remains ongoing.