Police Release Suspects in Villimalé Narcotics Case Involving Film Industry Figures as Investigation Sent to PG
Police have completed their investigation into four Maldivian men, including three local film industry figures, arrested during an anti-narcotics operation in Villimalé, forwarding the case file to the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Three of the suspects have already been released, while the fourth remains in custody pending release today.
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“The investigation into their case has been completed and sent to the Prosecutor General,” a police spokesperson said. “Among them, all except one were released as their investigation was complete, and the remaining person will also be released today. If an order is issued during the court process to keep them in custody further, we will act accordingly.”
The arrests were made on 8 October during a targeted sweep in Villimalé, during which law enforcement officers searched the suspects and related premises.
Police identified the four individuals arrested in connection with the case as:
- Shahil Mohamed (42), of V. Sinamalé 4 3-03, Malé
- Mohamed Vishal (29), of Mathimaradhoo Konkeeliya, L. Gan
- Ismail Jumaih (35), of G. Flying Tiger, Malé
- Ahmed Azmeel (44), of V. Sinamalé 4 3-03, Malé
The operation forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown on drug distribution networks. Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan recently disclosed that authorities have seized over 1.33 tonnes of illicit drugs valued at MVR 1.4 billion under the current administration. Police have conducted more than 500 targeted operations to disrupt narcotics syndicates while investigating 23 money-laundering and financial crime cases linked to drug trafficking.
