Three Sri Lankan Nationals to Be Deported Following Alcohol Seizure

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

The individuals were identified as Mahesh Indirajit Silva, 42, Kalyani Edirisinghi Appuhamilage, 48, and Manjula Kumara Ratnayake Mudiyanse, 50.

The arrests were made during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Drug Enforcement departments on Tuesday. During a raid on a residential property, officers recovered 24 bottles of suspected liquor, each containing 500 millilitres, along with a larger container also believed to contain alcohol.

Police also seized more than MVR 38,000 and USD 1,100 in cash from the suspects during the operation.

The Maldives Police Service stated that the three individuals have been transferred to the custody of Maldives Immigration to begin deportation procedures.

Authorities added that the criminal investigation into the case remains ongoing while the suspects await removal from the country.