Two Sri Lankan Nationals Released After Safari Liquor Arrests in Hulhumalé Lagoon
Police release two Sri Lankan nationals held over alleged illegal liquor sales on safari | Photo: MV+
Two Sri Lankan nationals have been released unconditionally following their arrest over the alleged unpermitted sale of liquor on a safari in Hulhumalé lagoon, police have confirmed.
The arrests were made on 31 December after a tip‑off to the Counter Narcotics Intelligence unit. Police searched the safari under a court order, recovering 102 bottles of alcohol and 218 cans of beer.
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The individuals initially taken into custody included MD Shekhar Hossain, 34, from India; Russel Mia, 35, from Bangladesh; Pubudu Asela Bandara Dolosba Gedara, 27, from Sri Lanka; Tharaka Saman Kumaradeva, 35, from Sri Lanka; and Mohamed Manil, 52, a Maldivian resident of H. Binmathiaage, Male’.
While the two Sri Lankan nationals were later released without conditions, the remand of the Indian and Bangladeshi suspects was extended. The status of the Maldivian suspect has not been confirmed.
Authorities have highlighted that irregular business operations by expatriates, often conducted under permits registered to Maldivians, remain a growing concern in the Maldives. Immigration Controller Ahmed Faseeh recently noted that six local lawyers are volunteering to assist in identifying and apprehending such offenders, including those who lease their permits to foreigners.
