Police Launch Drug Operation in Lhaviyani Atoll Amid Rising Offences

MV+ News Desk | September 12, 2024

Maldives Police Service (MPS) have initiated a specialised drugs operation in the Lhaviyani atoll islands of Naifaru and Hinnavaru, in response to an increase in drug-related offences.

The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Department, Intelligence, and North Police, is currently ongoing.

Similar operations have been conducted in Naifaru in the past, involving searches of multiple locations and the arrest of individuals suspected of leading drug-related activities.

In last year’s operation, six individuals were detained. However, the courts later released them, ruling that they were not in direct possession of drugs at the time of their arrest.

Five Arrested in Major Drug Bust Across Hinnavaru and Naifaru

Police have arrested five individuals following a major counter-drug operation across the islands of Hinnavaru and Naifaru in Lh. Atoll. The operation also resulted in the seizure of over 86 grams of drugs and MVR 293,000 in cash.

The operation was led by the Drug Enforcement Unit in conjunction with Counter-Narcotics Intelligence and the North Police.

The individuals arrested during the operation are:

  • Mohamed Irushad, 35, of Fehige, Lh. Hinnavaru
  • Fathimath Reema, 44, of Kulhibalaage, ADh. Mahibadhoo
  • Abdulla Zakariyya, 46, of Daisy Hiyaa, Lh. Naifaru
  • Ahmed Mohamed, 36, of Midhilimaage, Lh. Hinnavaru
  • Hussain Easa Fulhu, 48, of Ageedhuge, Lh. Hinnavaru

Following their court appearances, Zakariyya has been remanded for 15 days, Reema for 12 days, Easa and Ahmed for seven days each, and Irushad for three days.

During the raids on 12 properties in Hinnavaru and Naifaru, police not only recovered 86.26 grams of drugs and MVR 293,000 in cash but also an unspecified amount of US dollars and Euros.

In addition to the five arrested, other individuals were also searched during the operation. The investigation is ongoing.

This operation follows recent legislative efforts by the Home Ministry to introduce the death penalty for trafficking over 500 grams of drugs into the Maldives.

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