Remand of alleged ringleaders of Addu drug network extended

The remand of five suspects arrested from Addu City under ‘Operation Alimagu’, who are believed to be the ringleaders of one of the biggest drug networks operating in the southernmost Maldivian atoll, has been extended.

The five suspects who are believed to be the ringleaders of one of the biggest drug networks operating in Addu City were arrested on the night of December 3^rd.  They are:

• Ali Nadeem, (Milo Nadeem), Konmuli, S. Hithadhoo
• Hafiz Fauzy, Falah, S. Hithadhoo
• Ibrahim Siraj, Veyofeheburuge, S. Hithadhoo
• Hassan Alfaaf, Dhorufothumaage, S. Hithadhoo
• Ameen Mohamed, Kekurimaage, S. Hithadhoo

The Police, on Saturday night, said a total of 10 people were arrested during the operation in Addu City, including five people who were arrested on December 5^th. One of the suspects arrested later has been identified as Hassan Nazeef, 36, Gulkandhuge, 36. The Police added that he has been remanded in custody for five years. No information regarding the remaining four suspects was disclosed.

On Sunday, the Police said the remand of the five initial suspects has been extended. In this regard, the remand of Nadheem, Hafiz, and Siraj was extended by 30 days on Saturday, while the remand of Alfaaf and Ameen was extended by 30 days on December 24^th.

The police said they had been investigating the leaders of the drug network in Addu for drug trafficking and money laundering since March.

The investigation established the drug network has been in operation since 2017.

The police said they have evidence that over MVR 19 million was rolled between the accounts of four senior figures within the network over the last five years.