The Maldives Police Service has disclosed the identities of eight people detained during a narcotics operation last week in response to intelligence reports of large amounts of heroin being smuggled into the country by sea.
In a tweet reporting the operation’s success last Thursday, Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed praised it as a well-executed anti-narcotics trafficking operation including the Drug Enforcement Department (DED), Drug Intelligence, Marine Police, and Forensics.
During the 24-hour operation, police detained ten people, searched ten sites, and found about 100 kg of heroin.
But two of the ten people detained during the operation were released at their remand hearing, which is being contested. Police stated that the two individuals freed were suspected of playing a key role in narcotics trafficking into the Maldives.
The court remanded the following eight people:
- Juman Musthafa, 19, Beach Heaven, N. Velidhoo
- Ibrahim Zaidh Habeeb, 25, Sosunge, GA. Kolamaafushi
- Mohamed Ahmed, 34, Janavareemaage, L. Kalaidhoo
- Ibrahim Sinan, 24, Dear Friend, HDh. Kumundhoo
- Mohamed Hussain, 61, Polaris, Dh. Bandidhoo
- Midhuhath Ibrahim 26, Dheyliyaage, GA. Dhevvadhoo
- MD Rageegul Islam, 35, Bangladesh
- DM Mobin, 24, Bangladesh
Juman Musthafa, Ibrahim Zaidh, and Mohamed Ahmed have been detained for ten days. Ibrahim Sinan, Mohamed Hussain, Rageegul Islam, and DM Mobin have been detained for 15 days. Midhuhath was remanded for five days.
Several places in Hulhumale and Male, as well as several uninhabited islands, a safari, and a launch, were searched during this operation. The drugs discovered during this operation were buried on the uninhabited island of Bodukaashihuraa in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
