Five Arrested for Alleged Unpermitted Alcohol Sales on Safari in Hulhumalé Lagoon

Five people, including one Maldivian national and four expatriates, have been arrested for the alleged unpermitted sale of alcohol on a safari vessel docked in the Hulhumalé lagoon.

The arrests were made during a police operation carried out following a tip-off received by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence unit.

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Those detained have been identified as 35-year-old Bangladeshi national Russel Mia, 34-year-old Indian national MD Shekar Hossain, 27-year-old Sri Lankan national Pubudu Asela Bandara Dolosba Gedara, 35-year-old Sri Lankan national Tharaka Saman Kumaradeva, and 52-year-old Maldivian national Mohamed Manil of H. Binmathiaage.

Police said a search of the safari vessel led to the discovery of 102 bottles of alcohol and 218 cans of beer. The alcohol was seized as evidence in connection with the investigation.

When presented before the court, Mohamed Manil was remanded in custody for three days, while Russel Mia and Shekar Hossain were remanded for five days. The two Sri Lankan nationals were remanded in custody for seven days.

Authorities have reported an increase in illegal business activities involving expatriates in the Maldives, with some operations allegedly conducted using permits obtained by Maldivian nationals. In response, the government has intensified enforcement measures, including regular raids on suspected establishments.

The current administration has stated that it aims to resolve the long-standing issue of undocumented migrants in the Maldives within the first three years of its term.