MVR1,000,000 found in home of Indian suspect in drug network bust

The Police have said that over one million Rufiya, and cash in 11 foreign currencies have been found in the home of a leading suspect involved in the major drug network recently busted by the Police in cooperation with Maldives Customs.

Police commenced the operation on Monday following information received by Police Intelligence. So far, 10kg of drugs have been seized onboard ‘Silver Cloud’, a vessel that travels between Maldives and Tuticorin, India.

“The vessel is operated by a local agent in Maldives. It carries onions, potatoes, eggs and vegetables from Tuticorin port to Maldives,” Deputy Head of Drug Enforcement Department, Fareedh Ismail said in relation to the Police operation.

Fareedh said that the Police, with the cooperation of Maldives Customs, have been monitoring the vessel’s activities since it arrived at Male’ Commercial Harbour.

Early morning yesterday, five Indian nationals took items from the vessel and handed them over to a group of six Maldivians who met them on Boduthakurufaanu Magu. All involved in this exchange were arrested by the Police.

Fareedh informed that the ages of the arrested Maldivians were 28 (3 people), 26, 58 and 22.

The ages of the arrested Indians were 26 (two people), 28, 44, 24 and 27.

Fareedh said that the residences of some of the suspects were checked following court warrants.

A 53-year-old Indian suspect was arrested and through checks conducted on his residence located in M. Kunnumala, Police found MVR1,042,377, $11,318 and €39,725 inside a safe.

In addition, Police found equipment used for packing drugs and MVR134,050 and $2,200 in Ma. Coconut House.

Police also found a photo film case containing a substance suspected to be drugs; paper, rubber, and other equipment used in the sale of drugs.

The vessel is currently under the supervision of Maldives Customs. Police said that great cooperation was received from Maldives Customs in arresting the suspects involved in this drug case.