Man Arrested for Alleged Attempt to Smuggle 17 Phones into Maafushi Prison

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to smuggle a large quantity of contraband, including 17 smartphones, into Maafushi Prison on Saturday, 2nd May. 

According to the Police, Mohamed Shaheer, 28, of Mars, R. Maduvvari, was arrested near the prison gates. The Maldives Police Service stated that officers discovered 17 mobile phones, 35 charging cables, 29 joints, one adapter, four scales, a pen drive and other prohibited items in his possession.

The Police stated that Shaheer was presented before a court and remanded in custody for 15 days pending further investigation. No additional details have been released at this stage, as inquiries remain ongoing. 

The alleged smuggling attempt follows recent efforts to curb contraband entering Maafushi Prison. A modern body scanning machine was installed at the facility on 28 February as part of measures to address an increase in prison-based phone scams. Authorities have also introduced a reporting mechanism allowing members of the public to flag suspicious phone calls believed to originate from inside the prison.

In a previous case in 2024, investigators uncovered the suspected involvement of at least 18 prison officers in smuggling drugs, mobile phones and other contraband into Maafushi Prison. According to the Police, MVR 73 million in bank transfers linked to the officers was traced, with investigators suspecting the funds were received in exchange for facilitating the smuggling operations.

The investigation into the latest case remains ongoing.