Two arrested from Maamendhoo with 17.7 kilos of drugs

The Maldives Police Service has arrested two individuals following the seizure of 17.7 kilograms of suspected narcotics during a court-authorized search of two residences in GA. Maamendhoo.

The arrests were made during a special operation conducted last Wednesday, jointly by Gaafu Alif Atoll Police, the Counter Narcotics Intelligence Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Department.

The two individuals arrested have been identified as Azhad Naseem, 29, of Fiyaathoshi Villa, and Rishfan Ramiz, 29, of Roashaneege, both residents of Gaafu Alif Maamendhoo.

According to the Police, both suspects are alleged to be key figures in a major drug smuggling and trafficking network. When they were produced before the court for a remand hearing, the court ordered that they be held in custody for five days to facilitate further investigations.

Police confirmed that the suspected narcotics seized from the two residences had a combined weight of 17.7 kilograms. The operation forms part of a continuing nationwide effort launched in July this year to combat drug importation and trafficking.

Investigations, including searches of additional locations linked to the case, are ongoing. The case is under further investigation by the Upper South Police Division in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Department.